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Morgan Girard
Morgan Girard is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Spain.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
There are so many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life, however, one day in specific was when my host family and I spent a day in Madrid. My host dad showed me and taught me so many things that I did not learn when I was touring with my abroad group. I experienced one of the biggest Sunday street markets called El Rastro. They also pointed out a lot of historical landmarks, as well as typical everyday cultural trends in Spain. For instance the best places to eat in Madrid, where they grew up and went to school. It was so much fun to be considered part of their family and learn all about the culture and history from people who want to teach you and who have experienced it all first hand. Being included in a Spanish family made my experience in Spain so much more meaningful.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I chose to study abroad in order to gain more independence, experience a new culture and basically to take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am majoring in Hispanic Studies and have a love for Spanish and language, so I knew I wanted to go to a Spanish speaking country in order to immerse myself in that specific language and culture. Most of my schooling and knowledge up until last semester focused on Latin America, so I wanted to experience and learn more about Spain. I also wanted to be able to easily travel around Europe after my program, so Spain was a perfect fit for me!
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
It is so difficult to describe my experience in just a few words because everyday I spent in Spain was new and exciting! I made lasting friendships with people from Spain as well as my group, I learned a lot overall, I stepped out of my comfort zone, I gained an immense amount of independence and I have memories that will last me a lifetime. Studying abroad is such an incredible experience, one needs to do it themselves to understand!
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
My experience in Spain was incredible. Every single day was a challenge for me and that alone changed me for the better as a person. I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be as an individual through meeting many different people and seeing how I react in new and different situations. I also gained a lot more knowledge through my classes and experiences in the culture. I also now have another family on the other side of the world and a lifelong relationship with them.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
I was extremely nervous to go abroad and did not think I would be able to be away from my home and my friends for such a long period of time. I am happy to say that I never got homesick because I was always experiencing something new and having so much fun. I think it is really important to step out of your own comfort zone and try new things! Take all the opportunities you are given and have no regrets! Live out each moment and don't let them pass you by because it truly goes by so fast!
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Spain? Email Morgan at megirard@csbsju.edu.