Amanda Martinez-Port ’25

Program: Spain Semester

Majors: Hispanic Studies and Global Business Leadership

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you decide on this program?

When I chose my major back in my first year, Hispanic Studies, I was excited by the prospect that I would be studying abroad! It never really felt like a choice, but a welcome expectation for my college experience. What was challenging was choosing between different programs. Thankfully, my choices were limited in terms of Spanish-speaking countries. I was pulled towards the Spain program because it fit better with my schedule in the spring, it took me the most out of my comfort zone (all the way to Europe), and I have always found Spanish culture fascinating.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your program that made a lasting impression.

There are street performers everywhere, specifically performing traditional flamenco. It really brightens up the city hearing the melodic singing and rhythmic stepping throughout the streets. Sevilla is a lively city, and being able to physically experience this part of the world has left a lasting impression. I have become more relaxed, I focus on the small wins, and I have started to enjoy new music and dance! I laugh a lot more, too! There are plenty of specific cultural experiences that have changed the way I view the world, but the overall vibe of Sevilla will always stick with me for the rest of my life.

Based on your experiences abroad, what are some of the benefits of spending a semester abroad? How has studying abroad contributed to your personal, academic, and professional development?

The benefits are endless. Some that come to mind right now are gaining independence and expanding leadership skills in a way that you never would have imagined. You create amazing (lasting) memories that you can share with others. You have opportunities to network and make connections with people and organizations that could boost you further professionally and academically. You also build a community of friends with the CSB+SJU group you go with. I have found that to be one of the more rewarding benefits of studying abroad.

What advice can you offer for CSB+SJU students who are considering or planning to study abroad?

Do it, just go for it and don’t think too much about how it might complicate your life at home (relationships, finances, etc.). The experiences you have are ones you cannot exchange ever and are worth taking the risk. To those that studying abroad doesn’t feel like a risk, I would urge them to go through their study abroad location options with more scrutiny. Spending a month to a semester of time in a foreign country can be overwhelming. But with the right mindset, you can make the experience worthwhile.