When I started taking Spanish classes in sixth grade, I focused intently on vocabulary. I thought memorizing words and structures was the only strategy for language development. Now, ten years later–although I can still tell you the Spanish word for every piece of school supplies that I’ve ever used–my approach to learning language has evolved in every possible way and I look forward to the ways that my four-week program at La Universidad de Alcalá in Spain will transform me even more.
Although my month in Spain is sure to change and deepen my Spanish-language abilities, I am more looking forward to the cultural and personal experiences that are unique to a study abroad opportunity like mine. I am living with a host mom and two roommates from Pitt. Our time in Alcalá will be completely immersive as we take classes in Spanish, navigate restaurants and shops, and live with someone who has spent all of her life in Spain. These aspects are what most excite me and pertain to my goals for studying abroad. As a future Spanish teacher, I want to support learning that extends far beyond memorization and grammar worksheets. Throughout my time in Alcalá my goal is to make an intentional effort to recognize how I, as a language and culture student, am learning and growing in my everyday interactions. I have only spent 2 and a half days in Spain so far, and I am already pushing myself in ways I have never experienced before. My approach to study abroad, as both a student and future teacher, will help inform lessons and explorations in my classrooms to create similar experiences to those I have here.
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity and I am lucky to participate in such a well-rounded, encouraging program. However, I recognize that many students, including those I might have in my classroom in a few years, will not experience study abroad or have cultural opportunities like these. Although I want to make these opportunities more accessible in my career, I also hope my time in Alcalá shows me ways to bring these interactions and immersive experiences into the classroom. I believe the most exciting aspect of language learning is connecting with people in ways that might not have been possible without a second language. I’ve felt the excitement already while ordering coffee or petting a stranger’s dog. This is the kind of excitement I want to transfer to classroom experiences through hands-on learning and culturally informed curriculum. As I take classes, travel across Spain, and enjoy tapas with my roomates, I am learning and studying Spain for myself and for every student that will one day sit in my class.
You can’t memorize vocab lists that capture the way that my host mom greets us each time we come inside the house or encapsulates the frequency with which my professors say “vale.” My years of Spanish classes have prepared me in numerous ways to speak Spanish, and my time in Spain will push me to use it and to live it.
