Academic Year 2006

Jamie with her host family

From the time I arrived in Spain, I was bombarded with completely new (and exciting!) things. It was like stepping into another world – things like tiny, tiny, tiny cars, mullets everywhere, impromptu fiestas and Catalan/Castillian signs everywhere in sight. Once I arrived in Barcelona, I had to travel a bit to get to my final destination in San Fernando. It was worth it. My host family is perfect! I have a younger couple (Pedro and Encarni) who have two young children – I play outside on the patio with the kids.

If there's one thing I would tell other students who are studying abroad, it's to try everything you can – I've tried everything I've had the opportunity to try. I have been to two processions which were so beautiful and I felt extremely Spanish! I have eaten paella and gone to outside markets where entire fish, bigger than me, were lying around. I started the program nervous about not knowing enough Spanish, but now I'm feeling pretty close to fluent. My teachers are all truly amazing. I had problems expressing myself but I always just ended up laughing with my family about my mistakes.

As I begin the second half of my time here, I hope to start a community service group with a main goal to teach English and encourage international friendliness. I've gotten so much support here from my host family, friends and teachers, I feel like I should try everything I can!