Study Abroad

In the spring of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Seville, Spain. Before this program, I had previously studied abroad in Spain for six weeks, so I knew some of what to expect and was very excited; however, I did not have the safety net of participating in a Clemson-led program with all Clemson students. This time around, I carried with me three main goals: to improve my Spanish language skills and gain confidence in using them, to learn more about Spanish culture, and to travel and explore new parts of Europe. Going into my semester, I anticipated challenges, but I knew immersing myself in this new environment would broaden my perspectives and be a priceless experience.  

In terms of cultural differences, I had expected many, such as late meal times, the closing of stores and restaurants during siesta time, leniency with punctuality, and even the prominence of pork in Spanish cuisine; however, many were very new to me. One example that I found particularly interesting was the differences in professional settings. During my internship at the Spanish Red Cross, the workplace atmosphere was much more casual than I expected. The dress code was relaxed, breaks were frequent, and coworkers were surprisingly direct in their communication. At first, I worried that their bluntness might be a sign of disapproval, but I quickly realized it was simply a different communication style common in Spanish culture. These experiences helped me reconsider my assumptions about professionalism and how communication varies across workplaces. Overall, these cultural differences have encouraged me to approach new situations with more openness and flexibility. 

 

Academically, the most meaningful experience I had abroad was completing my final project for my Spanish Culture & Civilization class. This forty-minute presentation addressed how Spain’s unique daily routine affects productivity, tourism, and health. This project took about a month to prepare, making it, by far, the longest and most in-depth assignment I had ever completed in Spanish, which was both daunting and rewarding. Through my research, I discovered interesting connections between culture and well-being that I had never given much thought to before. For example, how Spain’s late meal times and even later social activities contribute to widespread issues of sleep deprivation across the country. The delivery of my presentation not only tested my Spanish language skills but also helped to improve my confidence in my abilities to conduct research and communicate ideas in another language. Ultimately, this project showed me how culture influences all aspects of everyday life and should be taken into consideration when conducting research. 
 

The most impactful aspect of my semester abroad was the opportunity to visit new countries and experience different cultures across Europe. I was able to travel throughout Spain and to six other countries, including Italy and France. But the highlight of my travels was my trip to Ireland, where I was struck by the rich history, vibrant traditions, and welcoming atmosphere. It was a place I had always dreamed of visiting, and actually being there was a very surreal experience that really deepened my appreciation for the opportunities I’ve had.
 

Of course, my time abroad was not without challenges. In fact, one of the most frustrating obstacles was trying to practice Spanish with locals who often switched to English as soon as they heard my accent. While I understood their reasoning, it was discouraging to be denied the chance to practice with people fluent in the language. I also struggled with stereotypes. As an American, people would occasionally assume that I lacked cultural awareness or language skills, which would sometimes come across as dismissive or mocking. Although these experiences were difficult, they were not all-encompassing, as the majority of my interactions were positive; however, they did teach me firsthand the importance of cultural humility and meeting others with empathy and kindness rather than judgment.
 

Overall, during my time in Seville, I gained confidence in my Spanish-speaking skills, navigated new challenges and situations, and proved to myself that I could adapt to life in a foreign country, while having numerous incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. My semester abroad pushed me to become more independent and resilient, and I am confident that the skills I gained will continue to influence my personal and professional life positively.