Voy a Espana! 5 days till departure

Hola me llamo Christina. I am a student originally from Folsom Lake College studying abroad this semester. Through this blog I am sharing my experiences living abroad as an international student in Salamanca Spain. During my stay I will share the things I've learned from the culture here. I hope this helps to encourage anyone considering study abroad!

Like many community college students, I am a transfer student. After this semester abroad I will be transferring to UC San Diego this fall. The opportunity to study abroad with a community college has allowed me to stay on track for transferring. I have always wanted to study abroad, especially as my interest and major is in International Studies. I am excited and curious to explore what I can learn from other cultures while abroad. I am seeking to gain an understanding of Spanish culture. I hope to develop my Spanish skills while living in Spain, and eventually become fluent. I have Spanish experience from two courses in high school and two semesters at FLC. I feel comfortable enough to get around using basic, beginning Spanish. Though I am a little hesitant to use my Spanish, I know that I will only learn in taking risks. Hopefully by the end of the semester I will have learned enough to have higher level Spanish conversations.

This will be my first time living away from home. I am very excited but also a little anxious to be sure I can handle living in another culture, being very far away from home, going where I know no one, all while trying to balance fun and grades with a full time student schedule. I've especially been concerned about staying in touch with family and friends. I think I will be fine, but I know it won't be easy! I won't have a problem enjoying what Spanish culture has to offer. This past week has been extremely stressful getting things together. I just started packing last night so I have the next few days to make sure everything is in order. If it weren't for my list of things to do, I would be all over the place trying to get things done. The more prepared I am, the less stressful things will be. Once I arrive in Spain I think, and I hope some of this stress will go away. There is no doubt I am excited and can't wait to get to Spain! All the hard work preparing will definitely pay off.

Departure date: Tuesday Feb 16th! Departure in 5 days!




The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Espana at night