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Elizabeth Russell
Elizabeth Russell is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Spain.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Living with my host family was probably the best experience of my time in Spain. I was treated like a part of the family, got to eat great food, and I learned the most from them! I'll never forget coming home after the first day of class to find a box of bronzer wipes on my desk in my room. (I have very blonde hair and a very pale complexion.) I thought my host mom had gotten them for me because she thought I was too pale! It told everyone in the group, who thought it was hilarious! The next morning though, she was looking for them everywhere, they were for her, she had accidentally left them in my room. I quickly brought them to her and then clarified the story for everyone else. I hadn't said anything at first because I was still warming up on my Spanish and I wasn't sure what to think! I was glad to know that I wasn't too pale to become a part of the Spanish culture.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture. I wanted to live in and become a part of a community in another part of the world. I chose to study abroad in Spain because I wanted to improve my Spanish speaking and comprehension-plus I was able to complete my minor! I was also very attracted by the fact that we got to live with host families.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Studying abroad in Spain was absolutely amazing! Living with a host family was a great experience and a great way to really learn about the Spanish culture. My Spanish improved greatly and I was able to complete my minor. Segovia will always feel like home to me, and I can't wait to go back! We got to see so many different parts of Spain, and after I was able to backpack through the rest of Europe!
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
Not only did my Spanish increase ten-fold, but I learned how to look at the world and the United States from a different perspective. The lifestyle in Spain was completely different than our highly structured, jam-packed lives here at home. I learned to appreciate everything I have, and I made some great friends who I know I will be friends with for life!
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Don't let anything hold you back from having the most amazing experience of your life! Be open to trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone so that you can fully experience life in another culture. No matter where you want to go, you will have a wonderful experience, but obviously Spain is the best!!
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Spain? Email Elizabeth at earussell@csbsju.edu.