In Spring of 2022, I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Alicante, Spain. During my time there, I enrolled in various courses at the University of Alicante, including Spanish Conversation, Spain History and Culture, and Spanish Composition, which broadened my knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language and culture. My time at the university provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the Spanish culture and lifestyle. The program was well-structured, and the professors were knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter. They were approachable, friendly, and helped us navigate the nuances of the Spanish language and culture.

 

I flew from JFK to Alicante Airport at the end of January and settled into my little apartment in the center of the city, Plaza de Luceros. This was my first time ever living in a city of any kind, originally being from a small town in Vermont, so I was absolutely loving all the opportunities I had right outside my door. The beautiful sandy Postiguet Beach was only 10 minutes away and all the shops, restaurants, and bars were only a block’s distance. One valuable thing I learned was how to take public transportation! I had never been on a metro or bus before going abroad, and there definitely was a learning curve but I managed to get to the university 40 minutes away on time every day. After my city experience, I would love to end up in a walkable city with good public transportation. 

 

 I had the opportunity to participate in various activities and excursions that allowed me to explore different parts of Spain and learn more about its culture and history. We visited the gorgeous Castle of Santa Barbara, a beautiful medieval fortress that overlooks the city of Alicante. We did a informational tour my first week in Spain and learned it has an impressive history dating back to the 9th century and offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Another activity I enjoyed was cooking class with a local chef where we learned how to make traditional Spanish dishes like paella and chorizo. It was a fun and interactive experience, and we got to enjoy the delicious food we prepared at the end. We also took a day trip to Valencia, a beautiful city located about 2 hours from Alicante to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning complex of futuristic buildings designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. We also explored the old town, visited the Central Market, and tried the famous Valencian paella. One of the activities that I found particularly rewarding was our program’s trip to Granada. We visited the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Muslim art in Spain. The palace was breathtaking, and the intricate architecture and design were awe-inspiring. The trip to Granada was a great way to learn about Spain's history and culture while immersing ourselves in its beauty and grandeur. In Granada, we saw a Flamenco show, a traditional Spanish dance that originated in Andalusia. Overall, these activities allowed me to experience different facets of Spanish culture and history. I learned a lot about the country's rich heritage and had a lot of fun exploring new places and trying new things.

 

After my semester abroad ended, I moved to Madrid in May to do a marketing internship at a software company called Delonia Software. The internship was a fantastic opportunity for me to apply my language and cultural knowledge in a professional setting. You can read more about this experience on the internship page. 

 

During my time in Spain, I learned a lot about the cultural differences and way of life in the country. Some of the most significant differences that stood out to me were in the areas of communication, food, and daily routines.

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One of the most apparent cultural differences I noticed was the way people communicated with one another. Spanish often speak with more passion and emotion, and they tend to use more gestures and facial expressions to convey their message. It took me a while to get used to and understand that they were not angry. I also loved the kisses people gave as greetings because it was very friendly and welcoming.

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Another aspect of Spanish culture that stood out to me was the importance of food. Spaniards place a high value on mealtime, and it is considered a social event that brings people together. In Spain, lunch is typically the biggest meal of the day, and it is common to take a break from work or school to eat and relax. I also learned about the concept of "tapas," which are small plates of food that are typically eaten with drinks. Tapas are a popular way to socialize with friends and try a variety of different foods. My friends and I became accustomed to the Spanish lifestyle and would enjoy our long lunches and then a siesta, as well as a night out for tapas and wine. We actually had the opportunity to try different local wines in Alicante at a winery and got to learn from student somalies. 

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Overall, studying abroad in Spain taught me a lot about the cultural differences and way of life in the country. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of a different way of life. Overall, my study abroad experience in Alicante and my internship in Madrid were incredible, and I feel that they have enriched my personal and professional life. I would highly recommend going abroad to anyone looking to broaden their global perspective.