Looking back on my study abroad trip to Spain, some of my strongest, most vivid memories I recollect are the ones of my host family. Living with my host family had a large impact in what I saw and learned while on my trip. For example, I had the unique opportunity to learn a lot about different cultures, languages and countries because I had so many host siblings that I was fortunate to learn from and share so much time with. I remember and treasure the little things about my host siblings like walking to and from classes together, eating together, sharing stories together as well as exploring Salamanca's city together. I was rarely alone on my trip and I have my host family to thank for this.
I feel that my trip would not have been the same without my host siblings there to share all of my experiences with. I'm grateful I had the wonderful opportunity to stay with my host family. Below are a few things I was able to gain from my stay with my host family as well as some of the experiences I encountered during my stay.
I feel that my trip would not have been the same without my host siblings there to share all of my experiences with. I'm grateful I had the wonderful opportunity to stay with my host family. Below are a few things I was able to gain from my stay with my host family as well as some of the experiences I encountered during my stay.
What Did I Gain From My Host Family?
Created and maintained strong relationships
Learned to work with others from different backgrounds
Gained a better understanding of various languages and cultures
Developed an interest of other countries
Created and maintained strong relationships
Learned to work with others from different backgrounds
Gained a better understanding of various languages and cultures
Developed an interest of other countries
Host Family
My trip to Spain as well as my host family have both helped me to learn and experience new things, which ultimately helped my personal growth. Because my host family was so entirely welcoming, it helped me to share my wants and needs without any hesitation. I felt comfortable enough to establish relationships with not only my host mom, but my host siblings. The family taught me to have fun, ask questions, extend my circle of friends outside of the program I came with from Oshkosh, and take advantage of the opportunities that came forth; for example, befriending and connecting with other international students from around the world. Because I listened to my family and took advantage of the opportunities that had arisen while in Spain, I'm happy to share that I have made a close friend that I will be able to share my memories and experiences with when I move by myself to Honolulu, Hawaii this February.
During my trip, I spent time with a lot of different students from other countries. Each had a life story to tell. I became a better friend and listener by investing time with many others. In addition, I learned a lot about other languages, cultures and other personal life experiences. Ultimately, I was able to expand my knowledge on different topics that I knew very little of before my trip because of the relationships I created while in Spain. The knowledge, skills and abilities I acquired while in Spain have been useful inside of the classroom on campus, on my homework and exams, and to my International Studies major. I feel more confident to create new relationships, share my knowledge, skills, and abilities with my peers, as well as for and within my future career. I plan to work as an International Sales Agent or Representative for an international company someday. I feel that I'll be able to not only create but maintain long term relationships over time, share my knowledge, skill and abilities with others, as well as help strengthen my position within my future career because of my newly found wisdom.
During my trip, I spent time with a lot of different students from other countries. Each had a life story to tell. I became a better friend and listener by investing time with many others. In addition, I learned a lot about other languages, cultures and other personal life experiences. Ultimately, I was able to expand my knowledge on different topics that I knew very little of before my trip because of the relationships I created while in Spain. The knowledge, skills and abilities I acquired while in Spain have been useful inside of the classroom on campus, on my homework and exams, and to my International Studies major. I feel more confident to create new relationships, share my knowledge, skills, and abilities with my peers, as well as for and within my future career. I plan to work as an International Sales Agent or Representative for an international company someday. I feel that I'll be able to not only create but maintain long term relationships over time, share my knowledge, skill and abilities with others, as well as help strengthen my position within my future career because of my newly found wisdom.