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Dana Clark
Dana Clark is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Spain
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
It is difficult to pick one experience that made a lasting impression, but one of my most memorable moments was celebrating my host sister's birthday. Experiencing traditional celebrations with your host family is a really unique experience to understand their culture and the customs of it. That birthday is a very special memory for me.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad to expand my perspective of the world and to also view outside perceptions of the United States. I also wanted to fully experience and unknown culture. I chose Spain because as a Spanish major, I wanted to enhance my language skills by fully absorbing that language through the host family opportunity.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
No matter where you study abroad, it is the experience of a lifetime. For many, it might be the only opportunity to travel that much and take in so much culture. Specifically, the Spain program was unforgettable for me due to the lasting relationship I made with my host family and the way in which it enhanced my Spanish skills. Also, Spain offers a lot of excursions that allow you to truly experience the country as a whole and the uniqueness of all the different regions.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
The trip has affected me in numerous ways. I am definitely more mature and independent since my abroad experience. Placing yourself into such a different lifestyle, especially with the language component, is very intimidating. I definitely grew through the experience of coping with so many new experiences. I also have expanded my global view and view of the United States in general by discussing different topics with my host family and Spanish friends; I don't think I truly understood what the United States represented until I experienced it from a different perspective.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
I would advise them to take in everything possible. At times doing so much can be exhausting and rest is good, but you don't want to go home with any regrets. There are so many great opportunities to take a part of abroad and those opportunities are how you develop your sense of that country's culture. Also, try to make a lasting relationship with at least one person from the country you were in; it helps you to continue your experiences while away from the country.
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Spain? Email Dana at dmclark@csbsju.edu.