AIFS Overseas Pupil Highlight: Valeria’s Summer time in Madrid, Spain
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Need to hear from a school scholar who did a examine overseas program in Spain? We not too long ago caught up with Valeria from Texas A&M Worldwide College, who spent her summer season learning overseas in the Spanish capital of Madrid.
Learn on to be taught extra about Valeria’s expertise with AIFS Overseas and what it’s like being a global scholar in Madrid.
Selecting a Examine Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period
Deciding when and the place to examine overseas isn’t simple for some college students (our crew might help with that!), particularly when you think about all of the unimaginable packages AIFS Overseas has to supply. Happily, every of our packages supplies unforgettable experiences that may remodel your private and educational future, regardless of the place you go. As for Valeria, right here’s how she knew Madrid was proper for her:
“I selected to review overseas in Madrid, Spain, as a result of I needed to expertise life in a metropolis that blends a wealthy cultural historical past with a contemporary, energetic environment. Madrid has an incredible steadiness of artwork, meals, and group. There’s all the time one thing taking place… I’d undoubtedly suggest it to others as a result of it’s a spot the place you’ll be able to simply join with individuals, discover totally different components of Spain, and actually really feel a part of the native tradition.”
For faculty college students like Valeria who discover it tough to coordinate learning overseas through the faculty yr, a summer season program is a good answer:
“I selected to review overseas through the summer season as a result of it labored greatest with my schedule. [Plus,] the summer season vibe was filled with power, individuals hung out open air, [and] there have been tons of cultural occasions and festivals… Even with the warmth, it was a enjoyable and thrilling time to discover the town.”
Lecturers Overseas
While you examine overseas, you get to take programs in a completely new educational surroundings. You’ll be able to be taught from professors with totally different cultural views, examine with different college students from internationally or the U.S., and begin viewing your research by means of a brand new, broader lens. Hear Valeria describe her expertise at her host college in Madrid:
“I studied at Universidad de Nebrija in Madrid, and I actually loved the training surroundings there. The campus was stunning, simple to navigate, and had a welcoming environment. The professors have been very educated and approachable, which made courses partaking and interactive. I additionally appreciated how the college blended educational studying with native tradition; it actually helped me really feel linked to life in Madrid.”
Amongst all of her courses, one caught out probably the most:
“I took an Worldwide Administration class, which counted towards my main. It was one in every of my favourite programs as a result of it gave me a deeper understanding of how…cultural variations have an effect on administration kinds and communication. The true-world examples and discussions helped me assume extra critically about worldwide enterprise and ready me for future profession alternatives.
The courses have been smaller and extra discussion-based than what I’m used to at dwelling… There was a stronger emphasis on participation and real-life purposes slightly than simply lectures or exams.”
AIFS Overseas Journeys & Actions
AIFS Overseas packages embrace journeys and excursions in addition to social and cultural actions. These inclusions assist college students be taught extra about their program vacation spot, journey round their host metropolis or nation, get pleasure from genuine cultural experiences, and join with different college students of their program. Valeria explains a few of her favourite journeys and actions under:
“I used to be so amazed by all of the excursions and actions that AIFS supplied for us, just like the paella cooking class, flamenco class, and museum visits. Every one gave us a deeper look into Spanish tradition and made studying exterior the classroom a lot enjoyable. My favourite, although, was the day journey to Toledo. Town was completely stunning with its historic structure, slender streets, and unimaginable views. It was fascinating to study its mixture of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences, and it actually felt like stepping again in time.”
Making Mates Overseas
Whether or not you examine overseas with buddies or go solo, you’ll have loads of probabilities to fulfill new individuals and make lifelong “amigos.” That is what making buddies in Madrid seemed like for Valeria:
“I knew a few ladies from my dwelling college earlier than this system, however we weren’t very shut on the time. Learning overseas collectively actually helped us bond and develop our friendship, which was the most effective components of the expertise. I additionally made a whole lot of new buddies from my courses! Everybody was pleasant, open, and excited to discover Madrid collectively.”
Cultural Appreciation Overseas
College students who examine overseas typically expertise tradition shock. Whereas it may be a bit totally different for everybody, it’s a pure a part of adjusting to a brand new cultural surroundings and fades as you get snug in your host metropolis. For Valeria, her preliminary tradition shock remodeled into an appreciation for the Spanish lifestyle:
“I didn’t expertise main tradition shock, however there have been undoubtedly small variations that took some getting used to. For instance, the slower tempo of life in Spain, later mealtimes, and the way social interactions usually lasted for much longer than I used to be used to at dwelling. At first, it felt somewhat totally different to alter my routine, however I shortly grew to adore it.
One factor I actually admired about Spanish tradition, particularly in Madrid, was how a lot individuals worth having fun with the second and spending time with others… It jogged my memory how essential it’s to decelerate and recognize on a regular basis life as a substitute of all the time speeding. I undoubtedly need to convey that mindset dwelling with me! Taking extra time to be current, get pleasure from good firm, and never stress a lot about being consistently busy.”
Plus, whenever you examine overseas, you really get to immerse your self within the native lifestyle, which, in Madrid, means having fun with some scrumptious dishes and late-night hangs:
“My favourite cultural expertise whereas overseas was merely dwelling like an area in Madrid. I cherished spending time at cafés, attempting new meals like tapas and churros con chocolate, and seeing how individuals gathered to socialize late into the night.”
Housing
AIFS Overseas packages embrace secure and central housing, making it simple to get to campus, or, within the case of intern overseas packages, your internship website. Valeria lived in a shared condominium with different AIFS Overseas members, which she describes under:
“I lived in a shared condominium, and it was an awesome expertise. The situation was superior! We have been inside strolling distance of espresso retailers, shops, and plenty of enjoyable locations to discover. I lived with different college students from my dwelling college, which made it simple to settle in and really feel snug instantly. It was the right steadiness between independence and having a supportive group round me.”
Closing Ideas from Valeria
After reflecting on her examine overseas program in Madrid, Valeria leaves us with these remaining ideas:
“Learning overseas in Madrid was really the most effective experiences of my life. It allowed me to develop personally, academically, and professionally whereas discovering a brand new tradition and forming lifelong friendships. The reminiscences, classes, and views I gained will stick with me ceaselessly, and I’m so grateful for the chance. I’d encourage anybody contemplating learning overseas to take the leap! It’s an expertise that modifications you in all the very best methods.”
Are you a scholar who’s able to take the leap and examine overseas like Valeria did in Madrid with AIFS Overseas? We’d love that can assist you begin your journey!
Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to faculty college students examine overseas. Our packages include many priceless inclusions, which takes a whole lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency help, on-site employees, and extra, you’ll take consolation in understanding you’ll have help all through your whole expertise overseas.
