Valencia Summer : Testimonials (Barcelona)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Final Reflection Questions
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
The experience of living in another culture for a period of time was the most significant part of this. Just getting to experience day to day activities such as walking the city, eating at local places, and meeting the locals. I was also very taken by the history and architecture of the buildings.
— Jessica Atwell, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
I learned how to have a conversation with people and I think I gained more confidence. I actually felt like I knew things and could adjust to different environments. I saw how much people wanted me to make an effort and cared what I learned. I gained navigational experience, appreciation for other cultures, knowledge of Europe, and how to live my life a bit more simply.
— Emily Fischer, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
My comprehension of the Spanish language has vastly improved, and I learned an immense amount about the Spanish culture as well. I also feel that I developed skills that allow me to travel safely and responsibly in the future.
— Emily Gay, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
Above all, the study abroad significantly increased my comprehension of Spanish and my Spanish speaking skills. Before I came to Spain, I did not feel confident with holding a regular conversation in Spanish. However, through speaking to local Spanish students, interacting with my professors, and doing the assignments for my classes, I greatly improved in my confidence as a Spanish speaker.
— Lejla Mujadzic, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
I think the most beneficial quality I took away from this experience was the confidence I have with my Spanish now. I am more apt to taking risks with the language because I know people appreciate more when I am trying. Also, the cultural aspects and ways of life you see are amazing to be able to experience. There is so many parts of the culture to see, life abroad is completely different than what we are used to in the states. It's refreshing to immerse yourself and try a new way of life.
— Madison Palomba, Summer 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
|
This was one of the best experiences abroad I have ever had. I learned so much about the Spanish language and culture from Spanish professors who understood how to teach to non-Spanish speakers. Especially in SPAN 3020, I felt like the professor truly knew how to teach Spanish grammar, verb tenses and sentence structure to us who were trying to learn; she taught it in the way that Spanish speakers think when forming a sentence in their head and why they spoke the way they did. In addition, I feel like we went to many different spots for excursions and after-class activities that many would not have thought to go to. I believe that the UGA en España staff did a fantastic job at choosing where we went while abroad. Lastly, full-immersion is absolutely necessary when trying to learn (and hopefully become fluent in) a language. It is much easier to practice and learn more about language when you are constantly able to speak to other people who are native speakers and can help you as you master the language.
— Annabelle Williams, Summer 2017 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
|
I learned a lot about Spanish culture just through my day to day interactions with people in and around where I lived; but whenever I took the time to really have a conversation with someone from the area, whether it was a taxi cab driver or another student, I always learned something and gained a new perspective. So I would definitely suggest that anyone going on this program really try to make friends with people outside of the study abroad group, because I have found these friendships to be very rewarding.
— Mallory Haak, Summer 2016 |