No Pinterest article or advice from a friend can actually prepare you for moving across the world by yourself. It is both thrilling and terrifying knowing that you are about to begin a journey that will most definitely change your life in ways yet unknown. But what is the point in living if we don’t let life change us?
For my study abroad class, our professor created our schedule in such a way we have all of our Fridays off – one of the numerous reasons why I adore this professor. He’s from the Imperial Valley Campus of SDSU, which is two hours away from the main campus I attend. I came into this study abroad trip blind, not knowing any of the other students and not knowing the professor. However, he and all of my peers far surpassed any expectation I previously set up for myself.
I’m five days into my study abroad trip in Spain, going on about 10 hours of sleep in total. Usually, I’m a firm believer in the eight hours of adequate sleep, but I’m realizing that Spain’s intent to change me is proving effective in more ways than one. Currently, I’m sitting on a bus with all of my new friends surrounding me, lightly dozing off in the peaceful content of an exhaustive, yet thrilling week coming to a close. It’s nothing other than a purely lovely scene.
“The best experience of college!”
“You’ll wish it were longer!”
“You’re going to have the time of your life!”
“I’m jealous!”
Every time I’ve mentioned my study abroad trip to someone in recent months, their response is some variation of one of those statements. Usually, it’s a compilation of all of them. People from all walks of life- current students, alumni, family members, coworkers- everyone has encouraged me in this endeavor. They talk purely of the positives: the excursions, the diverse people I’ll meet, the food, the sights, the adventure, and while yes, I’m stoked for all of that… can I be honest?
An incredible mix of beautiful modern architecture along with a storied past makes the sunny coastal city of Valencia a great escape from the chilly Spanish winter. After having spent a few months exploring and getting used to Spain’s capital city, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Valencia for a long weekend.
I embarked on my journey to Madrid in mid-January and, although leaving my friends and family was a little bittersweet, that feeling was soon overtaken by the excitement of what the next few days had to offer.
Right away I could tell I was in a foreign, yet familiar place when I got into the city and saw the vibrant life that filled the streets. There are these towering modern buildings right next to historic older establishments coexisting along with the masses of people walking up and down the streets off to their various destinations. People are chatting along and filling up the shops and cafes as they go about their day. Continue reading “Siestas and City Life”
My name is Rosamaria, but people know me as Rose, and this is a glimpse into my second study abroad term!
My time in the Basque Country has been super great and I have a clip for you guys! I’ve been studying and traveling all around, so this vlog video will give you an idea what I’ve been experiencing from August to September.
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 