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Wish to hear from a school pupil who did a research overseas program in Spain? We not too long ago caught up with Valeria from Texas A&M Worldwide College, who spent her summer time learning overseas in the Spanish capital of Madrid.
Learn on to be taught extra about Valeria’s expertise with AIFS Overseas and what it’s like being a world pupil in Madrid.
Selecting a Examine Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period
Deciding when and the place to research overseas isn’t simple for some college students (our crew might help with that!), particularly when you think about all of the unbelievable applications AIFS Overseas has to supply. Thankfully, every of our applications supplies unforgettable experiences that may rework your private and educational future, irrespective of the place you go. As for Valeria, right here’s how she knew Madrid was proper for her:
“I selected to check overseas in Madrid, Spain, as a result of I wished to expertise life in a metropolis that blends a wealthy cultural historical past with a contemporary, energetic environment. Madrid has a tremendous steadiness of artwork, meals, and group. There’s all the time one thing taking place… I might positively suggest it to others as a result of it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to simply join with folks, discover completely different components of Spain, and actually really feel a part of the native tradition.”
For school college students like Valeria who discover it troublesome to coordinate learning overseas through the college 12 months, a summer time program is a good answer:
“I selected to check overseas through the summer time as a result of it labored finest with my schedule. [Plus,] the summer time vibe was stuffed with power, folks frolicked open air, [and] there have been tons of cultural occasions and festivals… Even with the warmth, it was a enjoyable and thrilling time to discover the town.”
Teachers Overseas
Whenever you research overseas, you get to take programs in a very new educational atmosphere. You’ll be able to be taught from professors with completely different cultural views, research with different college students from internationally or the U.S., and begin viewing your research by means of a brand new, broader lens. Hear Valeria describe her expertise at her host college in Madrid:
“I studied at Universidad de Nebrija in Madrid, and I actually loved the training atmosphere there. The campus was stunning, simple to navigate, and had a welcoming environment. The professors had been very educated and approachable, which made lessons participating and interactive. I additionally appreciated how the college blended educational studying with native tradition; it actually helped me really feel related to life in Madrid.”
Amongst all of her lessons, one caught out probably the most:
“I took an Worldwide Administration class, which counted towards my main. It was considered one of my favourite programs as a result of it gave me a deeper understanding of how…cultural variations have an effect on administration kinds and communication. The true-world examples and discussions helped me assume extra critically about worldwide enterprise and ready me for future profession alternatives.
The lessons had been smaller and extra discussion-based than what I’m used to at dwelling… There was a stronger emphasis on participation and real-life functions slightly than simply lectures or exams.”
AIFS Overseas Journeys & Actions
AIFS Overseas applications embrace journeys and excursions in addition to social and cultural actions. These inclusions assist college students be taught extra about their program vacation spot, journey round their host metropolis or nation, take pleasure in genuine cultural experiences, and join with different college students of their program. Valeria explains a few of her favourite journeys and actions beneath:
“I used to be so amazed by all of the excursions and actions that AIFS supplied for us, just like the paella cooking class, flamenco class, and museum visits. Each gave us a deeper look into Spanish tradition and made studying outdoors the classroom a lot enjoyable. My favourite, although, was the day journey to Toledo. The town was completely stunning with its historic structure, slender streets, and unbelievable views. It was fascinating to study its mixture of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences, and it actually felt like stepping again in time.”
Making Pals Overseas
Whether or not you research overseas with mates or go solo, you’ll have loads of possibilities to satisfy new folks and make lifelong “amigos.” That is what making mates in Madrid regarded like for Valeria:
“I knew a few women from my dwelling college earlier than this system, however we weren’t very shut on the time. Learning overseas collectively actually helped us bond and develop our friendship, which was probably the greatest components of the expertise. I additionally made a number of new mates from my lessons! Everybody was pleasant, open, and excited to discover Madrid collectively.”
Cultural Appreciation Overseas
College students who research overseas generally expertise tradition shock. Whereas it may be a bit completely different for everybody, it’s a pure a part of adjusting to a brand new cultural atmosphere and fades as you get comfy in your host metropolis. For Valeria, her preliminary tradition shock reworked into an appreciation for the Spanish lifestyle:
“I didn’t expertise main tradition shock, however there have been positively small variations that took some getting used to. For instance, the slower tempo of life in Spain, later mealtimes, and the way social interactions usually lasted for much longer than I used to be used to at dwelling. At first, it felt a little bit completely different to regulate my routine, however I shortly grew to adore it.
One factor I actually admired about Spanish tradition, particularly in Madrid, was how a lot folks worth having fun with the second and spending time with others… It jogged my memory how essential it’s to decelerate and recognize on a regular basis life as an alternative of all the time speeding. I positively need to deliver that mindset dwelling with me! Taking extra time to be current, take pleasure in good firm, and never stress a lot about being always busy.”
Plus, whenever you research overseas, you really get to immerse your self within the native lifestyle, which, in Madrid, means having fun with some scrumptious dishes and late-night hangs:
“My favourite cultural expertise whereas overseas was merely dwelling like an area in Madrid. I cherished spending time at cafés, making an attempt new meals like tapas and churros con chocolate, and seeing how folks gathered to socialize late into the night.”
Housing
AIFS Overseas applications embrace protected and central housing, making it simple to get to campus, or, within the case of intern overseas applications, your internship web site. Valeria lived in a shared condo with different AIFS Overseas members, which she describes beneath:
“I lived in a shared condo, and it was an ideal expertise. The placement was superior! We had been inside strolling distance of espresso outlets, shops, and plenty of enjoyable locations to discover. I lived with different college students from my dwelling college, which made it simple to settle in and really feel comfy straight away. It was the right steadiness between independence and having a supportive group round me.”
Closing Ideas from Valeria
After reflecting on her research overseas program in Madrid, Valeria leaves us with these last ideas:
“Learning overseas in Madrid was really probably the greatest experiences of my life. It allowed me to develop personally, academically, and professionally whereas discovering a brand new tradition and forming lifelong friendships. The recollections, classes, and views I gained will stick with me endlessly, and I’m so grateful for the chance. I might encourage anybody contemplating learning overseas to take the leap! It’s an expertise that modifications you in all one of the best methods.”
Are you a pupil who’s able to take the leap and research overseas like Valeria did in Madrid with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that will help you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students research overseas. Our applications include many invaluable inclusions, which takes a number of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency help, on-site workers, and extra, you’ll take consolation in figuring out you’ll have help all through your whole expertise overseas.
