So, now that I’ve discussed living with my host family and getting along with my classmates, let’s get into the main course; how was the program itself?

My courses were not challenging for a few reasons. One was my familiarity with hearing Spanish (even European Spanish) and my practice reading in the language. Furthermore, I was taking two General Education Requirements, and the more surface-level nature of these classes meant that there was a lot of overlap in their discussion of recent Spanish history. Thus, my biggest takeaway was to engage with the material on my own terms, for example, by reading more of a text than the assigned portion. Of course, not all students will be as lucky as I was; some of my friends had grueling classes in medical terminology. But I encourage even the most occupied of you to make an inventory of the distinct books, plays, and movies you encounter in class, and export them home for your leisure and study.

I also made an effort to connect with my professors. Usually, this took the form of a few words exchanged before and after class-no deep rapport necessary. Yet, if you listen to even a few cursory remarks from your teachers, you will surprised at the uniqueness of their perspective, and the way it is formed both by Spanish history and American hegemony. The same applies to the stray conversations you may spark with Spaniards at water fountains or on the bus. I was frequently surprised by how strangers viewed me almost as an American ambassador, freely telling me their thoughts on the U.S. government. As someone without any particular strong national or religious affiliation, I thought it was strange and unnecessary that the study abroad application asked us how we would represent our community. I see now that it was right to do so. At the same time, the experience taught me more than ever to value the human experience first, and relate to someone else as a unique individual rather than as a citizen of a country.