My study abroad Experience in Lisbon, Portugal and Madrid, Spain was fantastic. The two day trips we took together had to be my favorite. We went to Toledo and some locals call this place the H’espana which translates to the land of rabbits. There was an “el cantala” or bridge that crossed over the Taho river that is 1008 km long. This is the St. Martin’s bridge in the historical district. Our tour guide, Mario shared with the group so many details on this beautiful trip. We saw a massive Cathedral with a lot of Gothic architecture, and make no mistake because it is not a church. On the hillside we saw a magnificent view of the city, and so many of the places we went are breathtaking because there is nothing like it back home. The vastness of the landscapes is something that’s very remarkable like the history we learned about at these sites during this trip.
The other city we visited outside of Lisbon was Sinatra, on a Historic Walking Tour and visit to Pena Palace were the two excursions we went on when we were there. The palace or castle was made with every era and element in the time frame. The bright colors were impressive. Next, the class went to Cabo de Roca. This was a hill on top of another hill since the view was very far when looking down. The amount of wind was so strong that my hair stood vertically on top of my head. The views of the waves in the ocean line were beautiful, and I took many pictures. There were also many small trinket stores with handmade tiles for sale with pictures of trams, like a train, in a city environment.
I knew that I wanted to explore more than what I have been exposed to back home in Tennessee. Now that I have witnessed a wonderful new experience in a place that seems like a different world, I do want to explore more of our world through traveling. In the future I will continue to make plans in advance to travel since it is something I enjoy and have a love for. I want to pursue this vibrant hobby and make time for new experiences that will enrich my knowledge of other cultures. It would be a dream come true to incorporate traveling at an international capacity once I start my future line of work as an occupational therapist. Since therapy and rehabilitation is needed in many areas around the world, it is a possibility, but finding that niche of people with these roles is something I hope to find.
After going to Spain and Portugal for the first time, I also want to continue to share my experience with other students who are curious about taking a trip outside of the United States because it is something I feel everyone should have the opportunity to do in their lifetime.
Thank you for supporting my journey in my undergraduate career here at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Breanna Evans (BS Exercise Science) spent 2 weeks in December, 2023 studying abroad in Spain and Portugal with the Rollins College of Business (faculty led). Breanna had the following to say about studying abroad, “Just go for it! Apply for scholarships, take lots of pictures, take in all of your experiences and have fun with it.”
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