Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Alexa LaPatka
Alexa LaPatka is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Spain
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
During our time in Segovia, a group of us were brave enough to participate in and run the Segovia Half Marathon (Media Maraton de Segovia). Prior to the race I was nervous because for one I had never ran a race that long before and also I was nervous about how the atmosphere would compare to races in America. All throughout the course the Spaniards were cheering for us "Animo, Animo, Campeónas!" (Lets go/energy, champions). I remember it feeling so good not only to be cheered for by complete, foreign strangers but also to be able to understand what they were saying and communicate my gratitude back to them. It was an amazing experience!
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to have the experience of living in another culture for an extended period of time, and also I wanted to travel the world! I chose the Spain program because I am minoring in Hispanic studies and I wanted a program that would help me improve my Spanish. I also wanted to be in Europe to be able to live the European lifestyle and also easily travel to other countries, which is why I chose Spain over the other Spanish-speaking programs.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Amazing. Wonderful. Life-changing. Basically every positive adjective can be used to describe my time abroad. It has made my life better in many ways, and I think it is a once in a lifetime experience that every student should take part in. It really helps you grow as a person and teaches you things that will help shape the rest of your life.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
The trip has made me grow in so many ways. I now feel more confident about myself and my abilities. When I think about some of the challenges I faced while abroad, it makes some of the challenges I have now faced seem not as difficult. Also, I feel I now have a better sense of what I want out of life. Spending time away from my comfort zone and from people I am familiar with all the while enjoying new, exciting experiences had made me realize what is really important in life.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Take full advantage of your time abroad and live every experience to its fullest. The cliché advice is to never say no to any experience, and it's true! Keep telling yourself that, even if you're scared of something, try it! Be open to anything and everything because you will come across things that are new and foreign to you, but the reward of trying new things will be worth it!
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Spain? Email Alexa at aklapatka@csbsju.edu.