Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Content contributed by Kelesy Patterson, English and Spanish Major.
I chose the IES Abroad Madrid program. I knew I wanted to study in Spain because of my Spanish major, but beyond that I had to narrow down where I wanted to study. There are many options to choose from, but eventually I chose Madrid. It’s a big city with a diverse blend of cultures and I knew I would never be bored. Also, with its location in the center of the country, it would be easy to explore the rest of the great country.
I chose to go abroad in the Spring semester, the fall semester holds many events that are near and dear to my heart. Of course there are the football games that I never like to miss, but many opportunities to meet new members of my clubs and organizations also occur during this semester. Even more exciting, I never like to miss a canning trip for Thon! If you add in the fact that the weather will improve during your time abroad, doing a spring semester was a no-brainer!
One of the most memorable moments that I had in Madrid was when I was able to take part in a ground intercambio, where a few other American students and I joined up with Spanish students from all around Madrid. Each Tuesday we would talk about a variety of topics, sometimes political and sometimes just silly things. We were able to learn about differences in our cultures, and even teach the Spanish students about ours. Half of the hour was in Spanish, the other half in English, this way both halves of the room could work on their skills.
My career goals have always been to work in editing and writing, so when people would ask why I had my Spanish major the answer has always been that I would like to improve my language skills as much as I can. Of course, living in Spain for four months improved my Spanish greatly. It’s a far cry from fluency, but I would be more secure in using Spanish in an office environment with what I’ve learned now.
The College of the Liberal Arts supported me, as I received Enrichment Funding, as well as money from the Spanish Department.
My advice to students planning on going abroad is: 1.) Don’t upgrade your phone before you leave! The newest iPhones are big targets for pick pockets. If you have an upgrade before you leave, save it for the end of your travels or let a family member use it.2.) Likewise, don’t keep valuables in the back pockets of your pants or bookbags. They’re also easy targets for pick pockets. 3.) If it’s an option, always stay with a host family. Always always always! 4.) There is free wifi in McDonalds, Starbucks, and tourist offices. If you don’t have data (don’t get data) then be sure to always know where one of those are! 5.) If someone comes up to you asking for you to sign or read a random plea for aide, quickly rebuff them and walk away. 6.) If you’re walking to your art class and there are a ton of police blocking a major street in town, don’t just assume it’s something boring. Ask a police officer; they’re nice. If could be that the president of Colombia is coming to visit, and if you stay five more minutes you can see him drive by! Your art professor will understand.
And lastly, Challenge Yourself. Always try something new, consider a fresh take on an old idea, quiet those fears and anxieties in your head. Of course, stay level-headed and logical. Don’t do something stupid! But leave room for spontaneity and rushed decisions. Book a six-hour bus ride to Sevilla the day before it leaves just because you want to. Try the food at the restaurant that the waiter won’t explain because he fears you’ll not want to eat it if he does (you’ll think it’s blood sausage, you’re right). One day, walk across the city instead of taking the metro. Your feet will survive, and you’ll be better for it. Climb the Eiffel Tower in the face of your fears. I promise, you won’t fall over the edge.
In Spain I was able to take more courses that focused on different subject matter than I am used to. For example, I took two art history courses when I had previously taken none. It was necessary for me to pay attention to and remember hard facts, and to analyze more than the books I was used to, helped me to move beyond my literature background. Not to mention, taking a class in a world-renowned art museum twice a week was nothing to scoff at, either. Being able to see famous pieces of art in the flesh, in an environment suited for them, is something I will rarely be able to replicate. It also improved my ability to listen and comprehend Spanish in a more natural environment (with more background noise and less chances to think up answers).
For spring break, I decided to travel alone. Of course, it took a little bit of persuading for my parents, but eventually I planned a 12-day trip that took me from Madrid to Paris to London, by myself. My first night in Paris, my flight in had already been delayed an hour, it was stressful trying to get to my hostel, and the language barrier was already freaking me out. Not the best start! Eventually I checked in, dropped off my bags, and decided that since the Eiffel Tower was within walking distance, I would just walk. The weather was turning a bit dreary, but I persisted. As I walked north towards the tower, I began to see hints of it peek over the rooftops of the tall buildings around me. As I got closer, the hints got bigger.
Suddenly, I was out of streets and the Champ de Mars was right in front of me. Behind it, the Eiffel Tower. All of the build up had led to me seeing one of the most beautiful monuments of the world, and something I have wanted to see in person for years and years. Now, originally I was just going to take pictures of it. Mainly because I have an extreme fear of heights. But as I stood there, taking it all in, I thought of how completely stupid it was to come all that way and not do one of the biggest attractions just because of a little fear. Once I saw the small line to buy tickets, I knew I had to do it.
Of course, my fear didn’t diminish in the twenty minutes it took for me to wait in line, not even in the five additional minutes it took for me to get to the second level (which was as high as I wanted to go), but I survived. Obviously. It was an hour and some minutes of me being absolutely terrified of the heights, but also completely awe-struck by the city laid out in front of me. I even got to experience the tower twinkling for five, horrifying, minutes. It was nice–once.
When I finally descended back to safe earth, I had been on the tower for over an hour, and it was pushing eleven at night. I hadn’t eaten since a sandwich in the airport for lunch, but I was barely even hungry. I was too excited! Already I had done so much on my vacation, and there was still so much yet to do! Along with that, I had conquered (kind of) one fear, and had reaffirmed that I could totally spend those days on my own. Although the day hadn’t started out the best, it ended perfectly.
Interested in studying abroad next Spring? Spring applications are due May 1st. All Liberal Arts students studying or interning abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith,Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)