My study abroad experience changed my life entirely. Being able to live and go to school in Spain gave me the opportunity to combine my personal interests with my occupational goals. Some things that really stood out to me during my time abroad was the work culture in Europe. I liked the relaxed approach to work in Europe compared to the United States. Work culture in Europe is important and punctual, yet personal and intimate at the same time.
I hope that students who are interested in studying abroad for occupational purposes decide to take the opportunity because it can have an impact on how much money you can make in the future. On top of gaining career experience, I traveled to Venice, Italy and Amsterdam, Holland for personal trips while studying abroad in Spain. Venice and Amsterdam were chances for me to break away from my comfort zone and explore new cities in which I have never visited before. These small, weekend trips gave me a sense of independence and freedom that I hadn’t experience prior to my trip to Spain.
In Venice, I got to practice Italian. Although I may not choose to study Italian, it gave me a chance to think about learning a second foreign language. The trip to Venice made me realize that I don’t have to stop learning languages! My trip to Amsterdam was similar to my trip to Venice, except I was completely alone. Amsterdam pushed me to another level of self-trust. I had to do everything on my own, which gave me the chance to live in a new country without the security of friends or professors. After visiting those two countries, I knew I could conquer anything I set my mind to.
I would recommend any study abroad experience to a student regardless of the location. It will be an eye-opening experience for anyone!
Tanesha Colquitt is majoring in Spanish and International Studies with a minor in Political Science. She participated in a faculty-led trip to Alcala, Spain through the Spanish Department in June, 2018. Tanesha had the following to say about her time in Spain, “Studying abroad is like taking your career by the horns. You should actively take hold of your future, if you want to succeed.”
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