Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Our Maggie studies abroad


1)     Where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad this past semester, Spring of 2015, in Seville, Spain.

2)     Why did you choose this city/country?
I chose this city because I love the Spanish language. Spain offered tons of opportunities for studying local culture and courses relevant to my major. Even more, Seville was the best place for me to study because the locals don't speak too much English.

3)     What were some of the classes you took?
At my university, Pablo Olavide, I was able to take both business classes that were relevant to my major and Spanish courses; these included International Marketing, Global Economy, International Management, Spanish Language, Spanish Conversation, and Cultural Realities of Spain.

4)     Describe the most unique culture experience you were exposed to:
I have two unique culture experiences that I was exposed to while in Seville. The first was Semana Santa, or Holy Week. During this week, different "brotherhoods" would dress in a specific costume and parade from their church, into the Cathedral downtown, and back to their church. They carry crosses, incense, lanterns, candles, and humongous floats with different depictions of the Passion of the Christ and of Mary, Jesus' mother. These parades last from early in the morning until past midnight every day.
The second unique culture experience was dressing up and attending Feria. Feria is a large fair with private tents that serve food and host dancing the Sevilliana dance. All of the attendees dress very nicely: women wear traditional Flamenco dresses while men wear suits. In the back of the grounds, there are carnival rides and games for kids. Feria is a huge part of the culture in Seville and has been going on ever since it originated as a cattle auction. I was lucky to be able to purchase an inexpensive dress to look like all of the other locals who were at Feria and to be able to go. Most students go out of town during these events because we had the week off of school, so I was glad that I stayed to experience it.

5)     What is one thing you won't forget?
One thing I will never forget is when I rode a camel during my travels in Morocco, Africa! It was spectacular and exciting. I know that I will never be able to do that again, so I'm really glad I was able to experience it. Studying abroad provides you with the opportunity to travel to nearby places inexpensively, so doing that gave me twice the amount of memories while I was abroad.

6)     Your one piece of advice to anyone considering study abroad:
I would tell someone considering studying abroad to definitely take the chance and go. Don't let money be an issue because one day you will look back and wish you had gone and experienced everything you could have. It is an incredible opportunity that only comes once in your lifetime, so you should take advantage of it while you can.

 Overall, I loved my study abroad experience, and I wouldn't change it for anything. I was able to make new friends, have another family, meet zetas from all over the US, explore new places, and experience new things. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
-Maggie