This past summer, I studied abroad in Spain where I took a Spanish art course. Aside from learning about great Spanish painters such as Picasso and Dalí, I learned a great deal about Spanish culture and also about myself. If you’re thinking about studying abroad during college and are on the fence about it, here a few reasons why the experience is totally worth it!
1. It enhances learning.
Certain classes are just better taught abroad. For example, art classes that are taught abroad give students a chance to experience the art, rather than just studying the art. My art professor over the summer emphasized the importance of not only seeing paintings in a textbook or on a projector slide, but also experiencing paintings in person. Being able to visit art museums and experiencing the original works of the painters we studied in class made it easier for me to study for exams and to retain the information I learned even after the program was over.
2. It’s an opportunity to experience a different culture.
This is an obvious pro for traveling abroad, and one of the main reasons I decided to study abroad. Before traveling to Spain, I had never been to another country. My experience with “culture shock” was actually amazing. Locals in almost every city I visited were friendly and welcoming.
In Spain, I had the privilege to immerse myself in a more social culture compared to American culture. For the majority of the day, locals would be out and about, roaming the streets, sharing a meal and drinks, or simply just sitting and chatting at cafes with their friends and families. Likewise, my classmates and I would spend hours at various tapas bars just enjoying our food and talking to each other — there was never a rush to ask for our check and leave!
Image source: Pexels, Tyler Hendy
3. It gives you a chance to be away from your friends and family.
This is not such an obvious pro for traveling abroad — I anticipated missing my family and friends back at home before my trip to Spain. Surprisingly, I was so busy having fun and learning that I didn’t even feel homesick! A good thing about being away from the comfort of your family and friends is that it allows you to make new friends wherever you are.
I’ve shared so many wonderful memories with my classmates as well as with the locals we met during our stay. I didn’t see being away from my family and friends as something negative; instead, I saw it as an opportunity to make memories with new friends!
So, if you’re considering studying abroad during college, I definitely encourage you to just do it! I was super hesitant to apply, but I’m so grateful that I did — it was worth every penny!
Cover image source: Pexels, Josh Sorenson