Study abroad

By Andrew Leland

For six weeks this past summer, I was fortunate enough to study in Alicante, Spain. Before my departure, I was filled with excitement about what was to come, but unsure of exactly what to expect. After living in Spain, I can unmistakably see why people say studying abroad is a life-changing experience.

After a horrendous airline fiasco which took me everywhere from Denver, Colorado to London, England, I finally arrived in Alicante about a day and a half later than expected. Because of my tardiness, my acclimation process was a bit rushed, but everything was worked out over the first couple of days.

I lived with a Spanish family in a house that was 10 minutes by bike from the Universidad de Alicante and 20 minutes by bus from the center of the city. It was close enough to have easy access to all the amenities of the city, yet was set aside from all the hustle-bustle. This allowed me to spend a lot of time in the house with my Spanish-speaking family, which I feel gave me an extended exposure to the true Spanish lifestyle.

What does it really mean to "experience a different culture?" Is it the language? The way the people dress? Is it the food? Could it be a culmination of all these things? After spending time in a foreign country, I find that these are important aspects of an abroad experience, but they do not do justice to what truly constitutes "experiencing a new culture."

One important thing I learned is that true culture is a feeling that is created by all aspects of life in a place. This feeling cannot be fully described in words, and can only be obtained through first-hand experience. When people ask me "What was so good about being abroad?" I truly have a difficult time answering. Everyone expects answers like, "the wild parties" or "beautiful beaches" (which are spectacular, don't get me wrong), but these don't begin to describe the depths to which learning and respecting a new culture can benefit a person's inner-being.

I can't count the number of nights that my "padres" and I would sit on our balcony and have conversations about anything from our favorite drinks to our personal opinions on the death penalty. There is really something special about talking to people who, for their entire lives, have been completely immersed in a society with different customs and rules from those practiced in your own environment. The priceless realizations that can be reached through this type of interaction is more intriguing and rewarding than almost anything that I have ever experienced.

My trip to Spain was immensely beneficial to my understanding of my place in the world. Stepping into a completely different life promotes increased reflection and appreciation. The personal benefits of studying abroad run so deep in the soul that I don't feel they can be adequately expressed in words. What I learned will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I suggest studying abroad to anyone who has the chance.

Andrew Leland is a junior Santa Clara student.