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Bringing Spain Home

By: Lauren Talley Posted: 06/08/09 12:26am

Ann Arbor, Mich. — I arrived in the U.S. more than a week ago, but it feels like longer. Coming home was, in a way, just what I needed and, in another way, less shocking that I had expected.

There’s an idea of reverse culture shock where a traveler’s experience reentering their home culture is more shocking than the one they visited. I do see the differences between American and Spanish lifestyles — though I think the most shocking is hearing English all around me — but sleeping in my own bed and driving down the same roads makes Spain feel like months ago and home feel like it hasn’t changed.

Home has changed obviously (the lack of snow should be the first clue) but this homecoming was more comforting than any semester away thus far.

I miss Spain, but it’s good to be back in Michigan. Upon departure, I told everyone I would stay away as long as possible, but the truth is, after five months abroad I was ready to come home.

Some say study abroad will change your life; others consider it an excuse to party overseas. Either way it gave me an opportunity to grow and experience a world outside of the United States.

Of course, I’m concerned my Spanish will suffer when I’m not speaking, reading and hearing it every day and I’m still not fluent, but it’s a process and my proficiency helped me snag a summer job in Chicago so I’m excited to continue learning.

If I can give any advice on future study abroad participants, it’s this: Do your research. Pick a place for your interest in its program and the country. Be open and be spontaneous and even if you find yourself not fitting into the culture, the experience is less about living somewhere that becomes what you’re used to and more about experiencing what you’re not.

Find one you can’t stop thinking about because no day passed when I didn’t think: I’m in Spain.

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Spanish Encounters in Valencia

Journalism junior and former State News copy editor Lauren Talley is studying Spanish at the University of Virginia at Valencia for the spring 2009 semester.

This is her account of life in Spain’s third largest city.

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Commentary:

This is a great program

06/08/09 10:15am

What a great way to experience the world and get college credit for your course too. From those I know that have done Study Abroad, they just loved it.