"... traveling should be required for all students to experience.”
ID: There is a white building with many windows and trees in front of it.
These photos were taken the first day of arrival.
ID: This photo shows a map of the world, with the route I took from Atlanta to Madrid. There is a small plane that shows my progress and how close I am to my destination.
After spending one month in Spain, I have learned quite a number of things. To start off, I learned that traveling should be required for all students to experience. Many people may have a misconception that studying abroad is a vacation. If you are reading this, I am here to ensure you it is completely not. The amount of work you do will feel more than you completed during a regular semester at University. Working with thirteen other students with different personalities and needs in one group was challenging. With that being said, it was the greatest adventure. Immersing yourself in a different culture puts all your perspectives in another light. When you are put in a new location, unfamiliar environment, and learning a new language with a group of people you do not know well, you will be surprised how much can happen.
For four weeks Madrid, Spain became my home while learning LSE (Spanish Sign Language) and learning about the Spanish Deaf community. It was fascinating to think about the similarities between Spain culture and Cuban culture back at home. The people were extremely friendly. Typically for American culture, there is not as much affection when greeting others. Greetings with Spanish people were commonly affectionate. The food tasted more fresh than American as well as tasted just like home for me. The environment was much cleaner besides all the cigarette smoking. I kept daily writings throughout the entire trip. The first week was pretty eventful with our academic director Paco. Some highlights were shopping at El Rastro (a market), having a sunset picnic at the Debob Temple Park, attempting boat rowing at Retiro Park, visiting the school Ponce De Leon, and traveling to Valencia.
The Spanish Deaf community was a dream come true for me. Spanish and American Sign language was a connection and communication barrier with my family. Meeting the Deaf community in Spain felt like meeting family members missing my whole life. The Spanish Deaf community was filled with so much kindness and pride of their identity. Although we arrived with little LSE knowledge, my classmates and I were able to present to and interact with deaf individuals at the Deaf association. The connection and communication was there. Not only were there night long conversations that will never be forgotten, there was great growth practicing our LSE.
My conversations with these three women are unforgettable.
ID: There is a group of 5 women of various age, all are standing with their arms around each other with a smile on their face.
Consisting mainly of classes with Professor Sete, and afternoon naps, the second week highlights were starting Theatre workshop with Professors Carlos and Jose Luis, the “Día Nacional de las Lenguas de Signos Españolas” National Spanish Sign Language Day, walks exploring the city, and turning twenty-one! The Prado Museum with history interpretations from Abel, a lot of theatre practice, an amusement park, and a day trip to Toledo summed up week three. Traveling to these cities were different than Madrid. Valencia held the beach and mountains side by side; the food and people were different compared to Toledo. Toledo was enriched with history all around. The cathedral was full of art and learning about how the designs around the city was showcasing the three cultures (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) brought up there years ago.
ID: There is a round building made out of glass connected to a white round building by a white pathway. Surrounding the glass building there is a man made pool. The design looks futuristic.
ID: This is a large stone building. There are impressive stonework and the sky is very blue with some birds flying.
The first photo (on the left) was taken in Valencia. The other two are of the Cathedral in Toledo.
ID: There is a large wall carving made out of stones. The carving shows angels and people. There are tourists standing in front of the decoration.
The final week was emotional. Madrid became a second home. Professors became like parents while acquaintances became friends. Over the course of the program, we all learned a crucial life skill on how to better work together in a team. Performing a play after a few weeks of learning the language was a grand challenge. In all aspects of this program, there was change. The biggest impact was growing as a person. I am not the same patient, shy, and open-minded person prior to studying abroad. My patience was tested various times only making me gain more. Shy is not a relevant word anymore, outgoing is. I assumed I was “open minded” only to be proved wrong. I became truly open-minded living in another country. Spending time with all the hardworking people including Dr. Pilar, Professor Gregoire, Paco, Professor Sete, Interpreters Manu and Abel, Theatre professors Carlos and Jose Luis, and my classmates, with learning a language and developing connections has benefitted me academically and personally. Pushing yourself to do things you have never attempted shows you there are no limits. I came back to America with some knowledge of working with my Deaf and Blind colleague, being able to communicate in a new Sign Language, understanding how to travel internationally, and a new meaning of what education truly is. Studying abroad in Spain has expanded my knowledge, mind, and heart.
This photo was taken after our performance on the last Friday in Spain.
ID: There is a group of students, some kneeling and some standing. All are smiling. All are wearing jeans and either a black or white plain t-shirt.
