Viva la Aventura! Navigating Culture Shocks and Making the Most of Your Spanish Study Abroad

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Frida Sanchez-Rosalino

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Frida Sanchez-Rosalino

<i>Pronouns:</i> She/her <i>Home Institution:</i> Elizabethtown College <i>Expected Graduation:</i> 2025 <i>Major / Minor:</i> Spanish Education / Family Business and Entrepreneurship <i>Study Abroad Location:</i> Seville, Spain <i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hola <i>Program Provider:</i> API <i>Identity:</i> Hispanic/Latinx <i>Future Career Goals:</i> After I graduate from Elizabethtown College, I will earn my English as a Second Language Graduate Certificate in a graduate program at Temple University. This graduate program in Philadelphia involves fieldwork to gain experience teaching English language learners. These courses also count toward earning Temple University's MSEd in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). With my Pennsylvania Department of Education's Program Specialist: ESL Certificate, I will be prepared for my career teaching Spanish, ESL, and TSEOL in the Philadelphia Public School District, specifically at the high school level. As a future educator, and since I am myself an English learner, I want to teach students my first language and support Spanish-speaking newcomers and English learners, demonstrate how Latinx culture is diverse and fascinating, and develop the ability to communicate proficiently in both languages. I will create a culturally inclusive classroom since teaching about the importance of diversity and differences between one another is crucial to the learning process because studying a language contributes to a student's cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills, which are essential to success in our global economy. I will encourage students to feel part of the community, thrive, and advocate for underrepresented populations. I will explore with my students the linguistic diversity of the Spanish language worldwide. I have friends from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, and Peru; sometimes, we need help understanding each other as specific vocabulary differs significantly. <i>Top 3 Goals for your time abroad:</i> 1. While studying at the University of Seville, I will improve my language skills in European Spanish and experience the beautiful host city's rich, traditional Spanish culture. As well as meet new people and create meaningful connections where I can learn about Spain and my new friends can learn about America and Latin America. 2. I will live with a host family, explore the Andalucía region, understand the history and culture, and relate different experiences connecting me to the world, seeking a new perspective. I will share with my future students, teaching them the different variations of Spanish and the appreciation of other cultures. 3. I will take a course on teaching English to Spanish-speaking students in a local school. The pedagogy skills I acquired during the semester in the classroom at Elizabethtown College will be implemented at a local school in Seville, collaborating with my colleagues through lesson planning, designing unique learning resources, classroom observations, and accomplishing objectives—a great benefit to my future goals as an educator. My previous experiences as a tutor, and a student-teacher, leading our college's Children's Spanish Program's community-based service-learning project, have all prepared me for student teaching, tutoring, and community outreach in Seville.

It has been a couple of months since I arrived in Seville, Spain, and I have already experienced some cultural shocks and made some interesting observations. For anyone interested in studying abroad in this country, I have some recommendations and insights that might prove helpful. One of the biggest cultural shocks I experienced was the concept of time. In Spain, time is more relaxed than it is in other countries, and punctuality is only sometimes a top priority. Meetings or classes tend to start later than scheduled, and it is not uncommon for people to arrive late. However, this is not an excuse to disrespect or completely disregard punctuality. It is always important to communicate any delays or changes in plans. Another cultural shock was the siesta, the typical midday break in Spain. During this time, many businesses close so people can go home and rest or spend time with their families. This is a unique part of Spanish culture that takes some getting used to, but I have come to appreciate the importance of taking a break during the day to recharge.

Regarding recommendations for studying abroad in Spain, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the culture and language as much as possible. Take the time to learn Spanish, the idioms or phrases depending on the region, and practice speaking with your host family, professors, or locals. This will help you communicate better and allow you to appreciate and understand the culture entirely. Another recommendation is to try as much Spanish cuisine as possible. The food in Spain is incredibly diverse and delicious, and there are many regional specialties to try. There is something for everyone, from paella in Valencia to tapas in Madrid or any city. Finally, I recommend taking advantage of Spain’s many cultural activities and events. From flamenco dancing to attending a bullfight, there are many unique experiences. These activities provide a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and create lasting memories.

In addition to the above, it’s worth noting that Spanish people care about the environment and sustainability. Walking and taking public transportation are common modes of transportation, and many people save energy in their homes by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. It’s essential to be mindful of these practices and try to adopt them while studying abroad in Spain. Doing so can help reduce your environmental impact and gain a deeper appreciation for Spanish culture and its values.