Study abroad: Spanish in Valencia

My STEP project was an immersive experience with the Spanish language, accomplished by studying for 6 weeks in Valencia, Spain. In addition to taking classes in literature and culture, I lived with a host family, saw a multitude of important cultural sights, interacted with locals, and came to understand what life in Spain is really like.

As a result of this, I have grown immensely in my abilities to speak and understand Spanish. While six weeks is not enough to master a language, by talking with my host family and other people I would meet around the city, I was ablessed to practice Spanish much more than ever before. I was forced to rely on my skills and thus grew in confidence. And by failing at times to communicate, forgetting a word, or having to ask someone to repeat, I was able to ask questions and improve my own grasp on the language.

Furthermore, I learned much about the daily life, culture and perspective of Spanish citizens. My culture class was a prime example. By talking about politics and history, I came to understand a typical Spaniard’s viwe point on a bevy of modern issues. Also, I learned the reasoning behind the unique quirks of Spain, such as their late dining schedule due to Franco changing the time zone, and came to adjust to that way of daily life. By doing so, I have realized that there truly is merit in the many different ways of daily life, as the American and Spanish schedule both have their respective benefits.

I was very much struck by how open and outgoing Spaniards tend to be, and I hope to be able to spread more of this into my life. As I finished up this program, I began looking for things that I could apply to my life. Other than a few amazing foods and recipes from Spain, however, there isn’t much tangible to bring back. Rather, the increased confidence in myself and my Spanish, the willingness to fail to get better, a glimpse into other worldviews and recognition of their merits, increased familiarity with Spain, and a burning desire to both travel more and master the Spanish language is the legacy of this adventure.

Now that I will be returning to the United States, I am determined to not let thsee newly discovered passions and abilities die. While I have finished my Spanish minor, I plan to take more Spanish classes to keep regular practice. When talking with Hispanic friends or fellow Spanish students, we can converse casually in Spanish instead of English. I can use apps and keep contact with new friends from Valencia to talk with native speakers overseas. In this way, I will be better equipped to use Spanish in my future career as an Engineer, perhaps travelling extensively or working with branches in Latin America or Spain. While I do love Spain, I do think more on a practical level from what I have learned and observed that I would most likely not live there permanently. However, I am still determined to keep the Spanish language as an integral part of my life and share what I have leared abut the culture with others.

One thought on “Study abroad: Spanish in Valencia

  1. This sounds like an amazing experience. Great that you were able to take in the culture as well as having opportunities to engage with the language. Thank you for sharing.

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