1. Where did you study abroad?
I studied in Guadalajara, Mexico
2. When did you study abroad and how
long did you stay?
I was there April to July 2004
3. What was your sole purpose for
studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?
I was there to complete the language requirements that all foreign language students had to do in order to graduate.
4. Were you initially excited and
ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and
how did you overcome them? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?
I
was really excited to go. I had been abroad once before and since then,
I had wanted to see the world. I was ok as long as I could talk to my
family when I wanted to.
5. What was your experience like
studying abroad?
It was good and some of it was bad. I learned a lot about me. I lived with a Mexican family and because I was an introvert, I stayed inside my room a lot. That is one thing that I regret. Though I was in Mexico to practice and become better at Spanish, I let my fears get the best of me when it came to speaking.
It was good and some of it was bad. I learned a lot about me. I lived with a Mexican family and because I was an introvert, I stayed inside my room a lot. That is one thing that I regret. Though I was in Mexico to practice and become better at Spanish, I let my fears get the best of me when it came to speaking.
However, I enjoyed classes and hanging out with students from around the world. It was pretty cool meeting people from Japan and South Korea. The only language we could converse in was Spanish.
I did keep my perceptions open to a new culture. Obviously, everything isn't like America. The key is being able to adapt and take part in your new surroundings.
6. How has studying abroad changed
your life? You as a person?
Studying abroad has made me
want to travel abroad for a period of time or find a job that would
allow me to live abroad in either Europe or South America.
7. Are you bilingual or multilingual?
If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)
I don't consider myself completely bilingual but I speak Spanish pretty well.
7a. How has studying/working
abroad impacted your languages skills?
I
am currently living and working in southern Spain and my Spanish has
improved so much in the 3 weeks that I have been here. I basically live,
breathe, sleep Spanish everyday. I live in a town that isn't popular
with tourist. It is 2 hours east of Sevilla and 4 hours south of
Madrid.
A
handful of people speak English here. I say all of this to stress that I
have no choice but to speak Spanish. It's great for me because I am
completely immersed and am working on my listening, comprehension, and
speaking skills.
7b. How has speaking another
language or your willingness to learn the native tongue of the country impacted
your abroad experience?
It's
fantastic, it's the reason why I am here. I chose Spain because I
wanted to improve my Spanish. But, sometimes I do miss English
speakers. There are people in my program about 45-60 minutes away via bus
or train or I can Skype friends and family in the States if I really
want to speak my native tongue.
8. How has studying abroad impacted
you career path and outlook?
8a. What is your current
position and what does your position entail?
I
am a Language & Culture Assistant. I'm working at a bilingual
primary school where I am an assistant and I am teaching science classes
in English.
8b. Is there an international
aspect to your position?
Yes, all of these positions are international.
9. What characteristics does one need
to pursue a position such as yours?
You have to have a college degree and apply to CIEE.
10. Do you have any advice for others
who want to study abroad?
Go for it! It's the best thing
I've ever done. I worked in Washington DC for a while but I haven't been as happy
and stress free as I am now. You won't regret your experience!12. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?
Yes I have a blog, "See This Quander Abroad", to chronicle my time abroad in Spain. Feel free to check it out. http://thequanderabroad.blogspot.com/
Hasta el Proximo Vez,
KoMiSa
