SPC Spain Study Abroad Program: more than learning Spanish for me

What a wonderful excursion!
I didn’t know what to expect going into the SPC Spain Study Abroad Program; however, the preliminary process was clear and readily available for me. The SPC Spain Study Abroad Program really made the process easy to follow and helpful; also, the online content was user friendly. The pre-departure meetings were scheduled in two separate sessions. Each session had focus points, that I really appreciated. This was my first time traveling outside of the country, and I needed to know that I would be well prepared. No part of the preparations felt overwhelming. They covered all the bases for new and returning students.
The school in Salamanca, Spain was so welcoming to all of us. They were very accommodating and intentional in making sure we were successful in our studies. The classwork and homework were a heavy load, but doable. The accelerated classes were a bit overwhelming most days, but the professors were encouraging and ready to give more of themselves if needed. Profesora Levin and Profesora Albrecht made sure tutoring was available for all of us, and if we needed a private listening ear, they were available for that too. Not once did I ever feel I was alone or unsure of what was to happen next. I could tell by the first week, from the director to the professors of the school, they wanted us to know they really care about education and educating us. The professors also doubled as our travel guides throughout the city. This made the experience for me more comfortable.
There was a plethora of cultural beauty to embrace and admire. The cathedrals, standing tall, and wide spoke of hidden messages of wisdom that made Salamanca radiant. The Plaza Mayor cradled the city’s joint common place that was safe for all ages. The Plaza Mayor had diversity and inclusion. It was prevalent in the activities, concerts, and family attractions scheduled every night for our enjoyment. The aqueducts of Segovia proudly proclaimed its fortitude while displaying the innovation of its creators. The waves on the beaches of Biarritz, France softly proclaimed it beauty, leaving its watchers in wonderment. The SPC Spain Study Abroad Program was more than learning Spanish for me. I learned to see the world in a different lens then that of my normal everyday life. I made a “forever friend” – which was my roommate, Brittany- and I will have “forever memories” of my time in Spain because I took advantage of this program. – Raquel , SPC Spain Study Abroad Program, June 2023