While reflecting on my time studying abroad in San Sebastian, Spain, I learned a lot about myself, the culture, and the world as a whole. I can say with confidence that I took every piece of this experience with me back to the U.S., ready to share and ready to bring a new perspective to my life and hopefully others.

What I enjoyed most about my host country and city was how safe it was. I never felt like I was out of place or feared for my life the whole time I was there. People generally minded their own business, but were also there to chat or help if it was needed. I also really enjoyed the different styles of food while I was abroad in Spain. Food was more important to culture than it is in the U.S., which I thought was very unique and made eating more enjoyable. I learned a lot about the culture of Spain and the Basque country through the food in San Sebastian. This is something that was new to me, but in all honesty, helped me learn better.

I learned a ton of insights about Spain’s culture while I was abroad. Not only did I learn some of the language, but I also learned about clothing items that were traditional to the Basque country of San Sebastian as well as the motives behind certain things that Spain and other parts of Europe take custom to. For example, locals will take siestas (naps) around 1 p.m. every day. Which means that most businesses are closed around this time. This was a learning experience for me. One of my friends, who was from Spain, told me that in the U.S. people live to work, but in Spain (and other parts of Europe) people work to live. This was very eye opening to me, but I began to see a lot of what she meant throughout my month living there. Work wasn’t everything to locals in Spain and it was very inspiring to observe. They enjoy life a lot more than we do here in the U.S.

"The only advice I can give is DO IT, and if you can, DO IT ALONE! I was told by a friend who also studied abroad some time ago that I shouldn’t look around for friends to follow me because the friends will already be there, they will be friends that last a lifetime, and boy was she right."

I began to really meet myself for the first time while I was abroad, something I didn’t really think would happen to me. I learned that I am not stuck. And what I mean by that is before I went abroad, I was in this rut personally. I felt like I was reliving the same day over and over. I felt as if my life was a constant cycle of what I did day-to-day: school, work, sleep, and repeat.  I needed a change and once I got that, everything changed for me. I felt lighter, I felt like I started over, I changed and that was what was so fulfilling for me. Adapting not only to a new country, but to myself and the new person I began to meet every day I was there. I learned that I am independent, brave, and that I have potential and a purpose in this world. This is something I will never forget about my experience.

Overall, if I had to give advice to someone who was thinking about doing a study abroad experience, the only advice I can give is DO IT, and if you can, DO IT ALONE! I was told by a friend who also studied abroad some time ago that I shouldn’t look around for friends to follow me because the friends will already be there, they will be friends that last a lifetime, and boy was she right. I met so many amazing people from all over and even some from the University of Iowa. If I didn’t go alone and take the leap of faith, I think I would’ve had a completely different experience than the one I had. I think I would still feel stuck in this cycle, and I don’t think I would've found myself the way that I did. Going alone also made me prove to myself that I am capable of being independent and doing things on my own…an experience I was longing to have and to feel. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience and it is worth everything. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.