Allison’s Study Abroad Advice
Where do you currently live and what school do/did you attend?
I live in Valencia, Spain now. I just moved here a month and a half ago after living in Almeria, Spain for 2 years. I graduated from K-State in 2011 where I double majored in Spanish and Theater.
Where did you study abroad and why did you choose to study there?
I studied at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain. I chose Salamanca because it was a faculty lead trip during the summer. I didn’t have much time to study abroad during the school year since I was trying to graduate with 2 degrees in 4 years so it was a perfect opportunity.
How long did you study abroad for?
I was in Salamanca for 1 month. We traveled around the south of Spain before we arrived in Salamanca and the north of Spain a few days after. After I graduated, I came back to Spain to work as a Language and Cultural Assistant for 2 years in a bilingual elementary school in Campohermoso, Spain, now I live in Valencia and I teach English at an English academy in Museros. So, I feel like I am still studying abroad.
What was your favorite part about studying abroad?
Experiencing all the culture! It’s so cool to be able to see the famous monuments we studied in Kansas. Also, being able to travel to other countries really cheaply is amazing.
Allison with her 1st grade class on Halloween!
What was the easiest adjustment for you while abroad?
I feel like I fit in right away with the Spanish culture. I had no culture shock at all, so for me I feel like the whole experience was pretty easy.
What was the most difficult adjustment?
Life with the host family. It was incredibly awkward the first few days but after we got to know each other it turned out to be one of my favorite memories.
Do you have any embarrassing stories that you’d be willing to share?
I can’t think of any! I’m sure a ton of embarrassing things happened to me, but I can’t remember any of them.
If you could give one piece of advice for future study abroad students, what would that be?
Live with people who speak the language of the country you are going to. I met some people who were living in the residency at the university and they said they never spoke Spanish. Don’t forget that is a very important part of studying abroad!
Thanks for all of your help, Allison!
About the Author
Rachel Budke Rachel is a senior at Kansas State University, where she is studying Bakery Science. In the fall of 2013 she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She loves cooking, photography and DIY projects.
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Allison! It’s awesome to hear that you’ve enjoyed working as a Language and Culture Assistant! I’m going to be a Volunteer Teaching Assistant in Castilla-La Mancha this fall!