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Need to hear from a university pupil who did a examine overseas program in Spain? We lately caught up with Valeria from Texas A&M Worldwide College, who spent her summer season finding out 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 global pupil in Madrid.
Selecting a Research Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period
Deciding when and the place to examine overseas isn’t straightforward for some college students (our workforce may also help with that!), particularly when you think about all of the unimaginable applications AIFS Overseas has to supply. Luckily, every of our applications gives unforgettable experiences that may remodel 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 review 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 ambiance. Madrid has a tremendous steadiness of artwork, meals, and group. There’s at all times one thing occurring… I might positively suggest it to others as a result of it’s a spot the place you possibly can simply join with folks, discover completely different elements of Spain, and actually really feel a part of the native tradition.”
For faculty college students like Valeria who discover it troublesome to coordinate finding out overseas through the faculty 12 months, a summer season program is a good answer:
“I selected to review overseas through the summer season as a result of it labored finest with my schedule. [Plus,] the summer season vibe was stuffed with power, folks frolicked outside, [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
If you examine 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, examine with different college students from the world over or the U.S., and begin viewing your research by way 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 educational atmosphere there. The campus was lovely, straightforward to navigate, and had a welcoming ambiance. 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 linked to life in Madrid.”
Amongst all of her lessons, one caught out essentially the most:
“I took an Worldwide Administration class, which counted towards my main. It was one among 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 actual-world examples and discussions helped me suppose 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 purposes slightly than simply lectures or exams.”
AIFS Overseas Journeys & Actions
AIFS Overseas applications embody 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, get pleasure from 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. Town was completely lovely with its historic structure, slim streets, and unimaginable views. It was fascinating to study its mixture of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences, and it actually felt like stepping again in time.”
Making Mates Overseas
Whether or not you examine overseas with associates or go solo, you’ll have loads of possibilities to fulfill new folks and make lifelong “amigos.” That is what making associates in Madrid seemed like for Valeria:
“I knew a few ladies 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 elements of the expertise. I additionally made lots of new associates from my lessons! Everybody was pleasant, open, and excited to discover Madrid collectively.”
Cultural Appreciation Overseas
College students who examine overseas typically 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 remodeled 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 alter my routine, however I rapidly grew to find it irresistible.
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 necessary it’s to decelerate and admire on a regular basis life as a substitute of at all times speeding. I positively need to deliver that mindset dwelling with me! Taking extra time to be current, get pleasure from good firm, and never stress a lot about being consistently busy.”
Plus, while you examine overseas, you actually 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 residing like a neighborhood in Madrid. I cherished spending time at cafés, attempting new meals like tapas and churros con chocolate, and seeing how folks gathered to socialize late into the night.”
Housing
AIFS Overseas applications embody protected and central housing, making it straightforward to get to campus, or, within the case of intern overseas applications, your internship web site. Valeria lived in a shared house with different AIFS Overseas contributors, which she describes beneath:
“I lived in a shared house, and it was an excellent expertise. The situation was superior! We had been inside strolling distance of espresso outlets, shops, and many enjoyable locations to discover. I lived with different college students from my dwelling college, which made it straightforward to settle in and really feel comfy immediately. It was the right steadiness between independence and having a supportive group round me.”
Closing Ideas from Valeria
After reflecting on her examine overseas program in Madrid, Valeria leaves us with these last ideas:
“Learning overseas in Madrid was actually 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 reminiscences, classes, and views I gained will stick with me perpetually, and I’m so grateful for the chance. I might encourage anybody contemplating finding out overseas to take the leap! It’s an expertise that modifications you in all the most effective methods.”
Are you a pupil who’s able to take the leap and examine overseas like Valeria did in Madrid with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that can assist you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students examine overseas. Our applications include many priceless inclusions, which takes lots 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 assist, on-site employees, and extra, you’ll take consolation in understanding you’ll have assist all through your total expertise overseas.
