Samantha Siegert
Sevilla, Spain
What is your major?Â
Spanish and Organizational ManagementÂ
Where did you study abroad, through what program/course, and how long were you there?Â
I am studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain at the University of Pablo Olavide for the Fall semester of 2010 with Academic Programs International (API). I will be graduating from UMD when I return to Minnesota in December.Â
What type of courses are you taking?
Students in my program typically take between 4 and 5 classes at the college, and API plans various excursions and activities that we get to go on while we're here. Some of them are within Spain, such as traveling to Granada to see a Flamenco show, but we are have an upcoming trip to Paris planned. There are also plenty of weekends that are open which allow students to plan their own travels throughout Europe. Students also have the opportunity to try a homestay, and live with a Spanish family during their time abroad. It's a great way to practice your Spanish and learn more about the culture.Â
What is your favorite memory from your study abroad experience?Â
So far I think my favorite thing has been the Intercambio events that happen at school. They are essentially language exchanges between Spanish students who want to improve their English, and students studying abroad who want to improve their Spanish. I've met a few Spanish friends from those events, and one time a group of us from the Intercambio met up at a park for a picnic and ended up playing board games and badminton most of the day. It was a lot of fun.Â
What would you say to someone considering studying abroad?Â
If you're considering studying abroad, there are a lot of different places you can go, and companies that can help with your experience. It helps to do a lot of research to make sure you find the place that is right for you, and to make sure that classes you take while abroad will count towards your major, or at least lib ed classes.Â
Has study abroad influenced your academic/career path?Â
My Spanish has improved since studying abroad, and my study abroad experience will be a good addition to my resume.