Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Photos and Content contributed by Adrienne Thompson
Adrienne Thompson majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish, took part in the summer faculty led program in Puebla, Mexico. Read more about her summer abroad below.
I studied abroad on the Puebla, Mexico program which focuses on Spanish language, art and Mexican culture. It was important for me to pick this location, because as a student trying to master Spanish I knew that Mexico was one of the few countries that speak true to the language. By that I mean it is one of the easiest to understand. I learned this through one of my Spanish classes. Additionally, I love the Mexican culture, and wanted to experience it firsthand. It was very easy for me to get better at Spanish as well as understand the culture. I also wanted to see the country in the eyes of someone native there. This trip is very real, and non-touristy which is what I benefitted the most from.
I chose the summer session because I did not want to miss an entire semester at Penn State. There were many personal reasons regarding school, work and family that made me choose summer. Additionally, this program was in the beginning of the summer which made it possible for me to complete an internship for my other major once I returned.
For those considering studying abroad, I would tell them that getting out of your comfort zone is a sign of growing do not fight it. Going abroad to different places can be scary sometimes, but do not let the difference impact your trip. Change is good, and is a great learning experience. Embrace it.
One of my favorite experiences during the program was my host family. They were such loving and caring people. I can remember my host mom being really upset that I had to go, it almost brought me to tears. My host brother was always willing to help and even brought me around on his own will to make sure I felt at home. Myhost father was always helping me with Spanish and wanted me to succeed. Also, I honestly fell in love with their dogs, they were precious. Traveling to different places was such a great experience. Although to some, USA is a nice place, but all of the places in Mexico were incredible. Anywhere you go you could sense the love.
Academically this experience was great. Although reading in Spanish can be difficult, the professors really made sure I was trying my hardest and I ended up getting very good grades.
At Penn State I am involved in many things. I am currently the Founder and Editor in Chief of Sovereign Magazine, Mentor Coordinator of BLUEprint peer mentoring program, a sister of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., and employed at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center as a program/marketing student. In these organizations I complete different community service events. I also used to be the PR Chair and Secretary of the Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team (S.M.A.R.T.), member of Multicultural Women’s Forum, member of Ambitions Dance Team and member of Penn State Thespians. I plan on being one of the top reporters in the world. I want to possibly have my own show. With that I would love to travel the world and experience different cultures, and life while being a journalist. Studying Spanish is very relevant as it is one of the next leading languages. Also, by traveling if you know another language it will be easier to get around and not be seen as a tourist.
I received funding, and advising form at the College of Liberal Arts which I am very grateful for. Studying abroad was one of the best things I’ve done.
Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding from the College, this funding is available to all students with at least one major in the College. To learn more about study abroad, be sure to attend the Education Abroad Fair this Fall, taking place in the HUB on October, 12 from 11am-4pm. You can also schedule an appointment with Jackie Smith (jds54@psu.edu ), Global Experiences Coordinator on Network Symplicity