SPC student, Chaplain Everhart, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship:<\/p>\n
“Viajar al extranjero a Espa\u00f1a ha sido una experiencia incre\u00edble para m\u00ed. In my youth, I was always blocked from Spanish classes because enrollment was closed at the time we relocated to a new school district.\u00a0 Whenever my job had workshops, I would take the course.\u00a0 I am not ashamed to admit that as a teenager, I rushed to the television to learn how to count to ten in Spanish from “The Count” on “Sesame Street.”<\/p>\n
Estudio Sampere, in Salamanca, has been an amazing learning experience.\u00a0 Within one week, I am understanding more about the syntax of Spanish.\u00a0 The instructors clarify colloquiums and pronouns utilized in Spain v. other countries. I take time to attend tutoring and study more on my own because I want to converse with my clients when I return to the United States. We have participated in enriching cultural activities that include touring: the West Quarter and its artwork, mountains, cathedrals, plazas, and dancing.\u00a0 The extended hours of daylight suits my lifestyle – but I need to include a nap (siesta) mid-afternoon when I return to the United States.<\/p>\n
Our host family is wonderful\u00a0 Pilar and Victor are caring and nurturing.\u00a0 Pilar has taken time to patiently reinforce the Spanish I have learned and quickly praises me when she observes new words and phrases I have learned (and struggle with but push through).\u00a0 Victor speaks very fast but will repeat each syllable and then of course say it again very fast.\u00a0 He speaks as fast as an auctioneer but I love that he challenges me to speak faster and comprehend his rate of speech. I have learned 4 new ways to use tuna and to cook peppers!\u00a0 I have two roommates from our group who are in level two.\u00a0 I am level one.\u00a0 This has also assisted me with learning Spanish by observing them and gives me a glimpse into what a second year of study abroad can accomplish if one is serious about learning the language and culture here in Spain.<\/p>\n
At meal time, the waiters do not rush you.\u00a0 Now I understand why one site said you have to get their attention to get your bill.\u00a0 You are allowed to take your time and you are not rushed to get out of where you are eating and drinking.\u00a0 There is one shop that has a sign, “slow coffee.” While in the community, the merchants are very helpful with teaching me new words and correcting me (with a smile).\u00a0 There are many students here from around the world who have come to study Spanish.\u00a0 It is unlikely that the “Dog Whisperer” would get a lot of business here in Spain.\u00a0 From what I have seen, dogs know their place in the “pack” and they are not treated like human babies (i.e., put in carriers for their walks).\u00a0 I have seen all sizes of dogs taken for walks.<\/p>\n
Overall, I am having a fantastic time and I am so grateful for the opportunity to come to Spain to fulfill a dream of learning Spanish.\u00a0 Professor Roxanna selected excellent students for our group that is studying abroad.\u00a0 All of the students are friendly and each level is readily available to help other students (along with the tutors).\u00a0 I have developed new friendships and it has assisted me with being away from my family. I hope that if another student is considering whether to travel abroad to Spain next year that he\/she reads this blog and that I will share the wonderful city of Salamanca with them in 2020! Hasta entonces, estudiar\u00e9 espa\u00f1ol y me preparar\u00e9 para la aventura del pr\u00f3ximo a\u00f1o.” –Chaplain Everhard, SPC student, Spain 2018\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SPC student, Chaplain Everhart, shares her experience in Salamanca, Spain with St. Petersburg College after receiving a study abroad scholarship: “Viajar al extranjero a Espa\u00f1a ha sido una experiencia incre\u00edble para m\u00ed. In my youth, I was always blocked from Spanish classes because enrollment was closed at the time we relocated to a new school … Continue reading SPC Student Shares Why You Should Study in Salamanca, Spain!<\/span>