Major: Marketing and International Relations
Minor: Spanish, International Business
Hometown: Carlisle, PA

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

Since the beginning of the semester, I have been lucky enough to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain. While in Sevilla I take classes at a local university, live with a host family, and, on weekends, plan trips around Europe. Thus far I have been able to visit many different sites in Spain as well as travel to London, Italy and Morocco. The experience has been unbelievable, and I have made friends that I know will last a life time. I have also been using the time abroad to work on my thesis for Schreyer Honors College.

How did this experience impact you academically?

I have been able to study Spanish with native Spanish speakers, which has been extremely beneficial for my Spanish minor. I feel like my Spanish has improved immensely since being immersed in the culture. As part of my International relations major, I have been able to study the history of United States and Spanish relations and have also learned how to adapt to cultural differences while in Spain. The experience has not been an easy one, but I feel that learning to adapt to a different culture and language has been extremely beneficial.

The experience has not been an easy one, but I feel that learning to adapt to a different culture and language has been extremely beneficial.

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

In the future I would love to work for a fitness company such as Nike or Reebok as part of their international marketing team. Obviously, this may include living abroad or, at the very least, a significant amount of traveling. Studying abroad has given me a taste of what that could possibly entail. I have been able to improve my Spanish which means that I will now be able to communicate for the business in Central American and South America as well as Spain. Overall, it has been an incredible experience that I will absolutely be mentioning in future interviews.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

I would recommend study abroad to ANY liberal arts student. I think it is very important to leave the United States and learn about another culture and language. It provides a lot of perspective.