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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Spain? We recently caught up with Lauren, a student from the University of North Dakota who did a study abroad program in the Andalusian city of Granada during spring semester through AIFS Abroad.
Discover how Lauren’s experience with AIFS Abroad helped her expand her cultural horizons and improve her Spanish skills!
Language Learning
Learning a new language is by no means required to study or intern abroad; however, many students and young professionals choose to go abroad because they want to learn a new language or improve their existing language skills. For example, if you’re like Lauren and want to learn Spanish, you can choose a Spanish-speaking country like Spain.
There are various programs in Granada that do not have any Spanish fluency requirements and suit students at a multitude of levels. Lauren participated in a Spanish language and culture program that helped her improve her Spanish and become more comfortable speaking the language:
“My program was taught all in Spanish. My favorite class was called Oral Production and Interaction… The class only had about 12 students and we focused on having formal and informal interactions in Spanish with appropriate body language, transitions, etc. We were graded mostly off a few big ‘presentations’: a round table discussion, a debate, and an interview. Sometimes we assumed the roles of characters or famous people in Spanish culture, other times we were ourselves.”
Lauren appreciated how the class taught her to use common local expressions and learn about the local culture:
“Also, every day we learned 3 new linguistic expressions from Spanish culture, understanding the definition, coming up with an example, and how to use it in a sentence. There were a handful of times throughout the semester where I was able to use my newly learned linguistic expression with my host family or with native Spanish speakers! The best part of the class for me was truly getting to know my classmates by talking in class. I learned so much about other cultures via discussion prompts and various group activities.”
Building a Global Perspective
Becoming totally immersed in the culture of your study abroad destination is sure to expand your perspective. However, as Lauren explained, meeting other study abroad students from all over the world was another factor that helped her to appreciate diversity and develop a broader cultural perspective:
“A majority of the students at the school I attended spoke English and some level of Spanish. However, there were instances where I found myself talking to people in English when our only common language was Spanish. This both surprised me and embarrassed me for assuming everyone in my school spoke English. There were a handful of students in my class from China and Japan, and I learned about their culture, business practices in their countries, traditional customs, family traditions, and linguistic expressions. I think this experience definitely influenced my perspective on the importance of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). I don’t think I would ever have the chance to gain an understanding of another culture so profoundly if I didn’t study abroad.”
Siesta: Experiencing Spanish Work Culture
No matter where you go abroad, you’ll likely find the work culture very different from the U.S. If you choose to study abroad in Spain like Lauren, you’ll experience the “siesta,” which is a midday break where all businesses close for lunch and rest. Hear Lauren explain the impact Spanish work culture had on her perspective and future life prospects:
“The workday in Spain started at 9, paused for siesta at 2, resumed at 5, and ended at 8. At first, I didn’t understand why breaking up the workday was efficient or practiced by most businesses. Most shops and restaurants closed for 2-3 hours in the middle of the day. After learning more and understanding Spanish culture better I now understand that the siesta serves to allow families to go home and have lunch together. The 3pm lunch meal is their most important meal of the day, and the biggest. This time allows for families to take a rest from their work and get their energy back before heading back to work to finish the day. My school schedule followed a similar structure, and I came to appreciate the break in the day. After I graduate, I hope to return to Spain to work.”
Sustainability in Spain
Every country approaches sustainability a little bit differently. If you choose to study or intern abroad in a European country like Lauren, you may learn about more robust sustainability practices, even if you come from a sustainable household like she does:
“I am certainly a person who values sustainable practices. My mom taught me the importance of taking care of the earth. I was surprised to find out that Spain recycles better than my own family. At my house we make a commitment to recycling as much as we possibly can, composting food scraps, eating from our garden, and buying reusable products. Arriving in Spain, I entered the airport and saw a single bin with sections for plastic, glass, organic, paper, and metal. Within one block of my homestay there were collection bins for clothes to donate, recycling for batteries, and even cooking grease/oil disposal. I was thrilled to see this!”
As Lauren explains, sustainability in Spain and Europe extends to public transportation (which also makes travel much cheaper and easier!).
“Public transportation in Europe in general was widely accessible and always the most cost-effective.”
Even her experience grocery shopping in Spain was a more environmentally conscious one:
“My host family shopped for produce locally and walked to reach their destination when they could. Whereas in the U.S., grocery stores buy in bulk and resell, and driving is the most common way to get from here to there… Grocery stores and markets encouraged bringing reusable bags by charging a small fee for giving away plastic ones. I have seen that practice start to take hold in the US, but it is not common practice… My understanding and appreciation of sustainability were certainly influenced by my time in Spain.”
Final Thoughts
AIFS Abroad study abroad participants consistently report positive, impactful experiences that help them grow both academically and professionally, all while gaining exposure to new cultures and experiences that foster personal growth. As she reflected on her experience as a student in Granada with AIFS Abroad, Lauren shared some similar sentiments about her time overseas:
“My semester changed the way I value DEI and sustainability. I have found a new understanding and appreciation for different work cultures, which makes me want to work for an international company to have the ability to work with people around the world. I deeply value the time I spent in Spain and wish every day that I could go back to the life I had there. I will forever cherish my host family, the friends I made, and the unforgettable experiences that AIFS provided me. I will never stop recommending that students go abroad during college, it is life-changing!”
Are you a student who’s ready to take the leap and study abroad like Lauren did in Granada? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.