Q: Initially, what made you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose your program?
A: My sorority sister encouraged me to apply to her program and I owe it all to her! If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have chosen such an awesome program. I always wanted to study abroad because I did a quick foreign exchange program in high school. This foreign exchange program was a little glimpse of what study abroad in college is really like. Ever since that, I knew I wanted to study abroad. I chose Madrid, Spain because it is a city I have always heard great things about. Madrid was perfect for me; a busy city but not that many tourists. Additionally, I wanted to learn Spanish as well.
Q: What was the highlight of your study abroad experience?
A: The highlight of my study abroad experience was meeting other UC students that are going through the same thing as me. Struggling to adapt to the culture, homesick, yet so curious to see the world. Being with other UC students helped my transition to another country a whole lot easier. I still keep in touch with these other UC students that I met through my study abroad program. I meet friends for life through a once in a lifetime experience.
Q: What was your greatest challenge abroad and how did you overcome it?
A: My greatest challenge abroad was adapting to the food. In Madrid they eat small breakfasts, big lunches, and small dinners. Back home, I eat a small breakfast, big lunch, and big dinner. Spaniards eat a lot of potatoes and meat, which is not my favorite choice of food. I overcame this by just eating what the cafeteria offered, so I did not spend money on food everyday. Eventually, I got used to it.
Q: How did your coursework abroad compare to your courses at UC Merced?
A: The coursework abroad is less assignments but they hold a bigger percentage to your grade. We had a midterm, final, and little writing assignments in between. The coursework was not hard, however the professors teach in a different style. In the middle of class, my professors called out people for trying to use the restroom, sleeping, etc. In America, professors are more laid back and do not call people out. However, the coursework is acceptable for studying abroad. It is not too much of a work load.
Q: What did you gain from your study abroad experience?
A: I gained many skills from studying abroad, however the most important one I learned was how to adapt in various environments. Every country has different customs, such as how to greet people, what is considered disrespectful, etc. I learned to be mindful and do what's respectful in the country you are in.
Q: What advice do you have for students considering study abroad?
A: The advice I have for students considering to study abroad is to research about countries you are considering going to. In my instance, I did not research about Madrid, and I ended up loving it. However, it could have gone the opposite and I could have ended up hating Madrid. Thankfully, I got lucky!
Q: Describe a typical day for you abroad.
A: From Mondays to Thursdays, I woke up at 8:30am, went to the cafeteria for breakfast at 9:00am, left to the metro station at 9:20am. The commute to school was 30 minutes, including the metro ride. My classes started at 10am and ended at 2pm. Then I would head back home, after classes. On Fridays-Sundays, I would usually go on weekend trips. If not, then I would explore Madrid by going out to clubs or sight seeing.
