Jennifer Agustin Ambrocio ’24

Programs: Spain Semester, Chiapas Spring Embedded, UN Climate Change Embedded, Brazil Spring Embedded

Majors: Political Science & Hispanic Studies

Minor: LLAS

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

I chose to study and intern abroad because I wanted to learn more about the Spanish culture, such as the language, food and traditional music. I decided on the Spain semester program because as a native Spanish speaker I wanted to know the differences between the Latin America Spanish and Spaniard Spanish. I chose to study abroad in Chiapas, Mexico not only to create unique experiences with my classmates but to make long lasting friendships with my host family and teachers. I decided on this program because as a daughter from Mexican immigrant parents, I wanted to explore Mexico’s culture and history more.

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

One of the many experiences I had in Chiapas was having lunch with my host family, because it was the only time throughout the busy day where I was able to have a meaningful conversation with them. One of the experiences I had in Spain that made a lasting impression was the time when my host family invited me to join them for their yearly travel with the rest of their family members. It was and is something that I will always take to heart because I will never get this same experience anywhere, and it showed me how important family is and its being represented in the Spanish country.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I really enjoyed my study and internship abroad experiences. I was able to travel independently throughout southern Spain and got to absorb as much as I could for my experience, as well as connect with my host family one-on-one and talk and build friendships with locals.

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?

Some benefits of spending a semester abroad are that you have time to create and develop friendships and relationships along the way. I was able to grow throughout those four months as a student, intern, and person overall. My study abroad experience helped me learn more about what the country and world has to teach us humans. Additionally, my internship allowed me to become a step closer to what I want to be or do after graduation. Even on short-term programs, I was able to learn a lot about myself by adapting to a new environment and connecting with others. Meanwhile as I returned home, I was very excited to fully share what I had learned with my family and friends. I was able to view the world in a different lens, which allowed me to think about other future career paths within the social justice theme and social movements.

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

Be open-minded to those opportunities that come from anything and everything. You never know what will come your way!