Tag Archives: Spain

Paulina Lopez

Solo traveled Italy for 2 weeks, so this is me at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa!

NAME: Paulina Lopez

MAJOR:  Business Admin/International Business

PROGRAM: SJSU Exchange – Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain – Fall 2024

EMAIL: paulina.lopez@sjsu.edu

BIO:

I am Paulina, a Bay Area native. Ever since high school, I have had the goal of traveling abroad, whether for leisure or for school. When applying to colleges, I made sure the study abroad programs these schools provided were places I saw myself living in. I settled on San Jose State not only for its fantastic business program, but also for the options available to study abroad in cities I have always dreamed of. 

Therefore, since my first year at San Jose, the goal was to study abroad for a semester, and I found out this would help me tremendously, as I am majoring in International Business. The experience of studying abroad in Spain, a country where I knew so much of until I didn’t, getting to learn a new culture and immerse myself in a region such as Catalonia where the language was not Spanish, the tradtions and customs were varying. Everything all seemed so excited and I found myself advocating for others to study abroad. 

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

My main goal was to prepare myself for the real world. As an international business major, I see myself traveling for work, and my worst fear was leaving the nest. I wanted to grow, but I constantly had the fear of missing out on important events back home. Being able to move abroad for 6 months in the Fall of 2024 taught me that, regardless of distance, I am capable of maintaining relationships and can continue to push myself forward to do things out of my comfort zone, especially as a female solo traveller and a first-generation student who worked for years for this study abroad experience. 

Nevertheless, once admitted for study abroad I made a list of goals that I wanted to achieve, these were examples like making friends with people in my classes that I would take, push myself to take a class in Spanish because regardless of my Mexican background because I always feared taking a class in Spanish and especially in a place where I wasn’t accustomed to the slang, and the use of formalities. Lastly was to travel to countries my family never even knew existed. I wanted to make my presence known in parts of the world where even I had to Google information about.

All of these goals were achieved because I insisted on and pushed for these goals, I am proud of myself and proud of the new future goals I have created and will achieve later on in life. 

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

From the get-go, I was nervous about assimilating into a culture I had heard so much about for years, with many family members chiming in, letting me know their opinions about a country they had never visited but knew so much of because of social media. I was the first in my family to ever do anything like this. I covered all my expenses, handled all the paperwork, and most importantly, experienced what I have been wanting to experience for the longest time. 

The impacts I had throughout my study abroad were meaningful and sincere. I met locals, learned through them. Informed myself on the situations going on in Catalonia, and came back informed, ready to spread the word. I am glad to say I came back more knowledgeable not only about myself but about certain topics that aren’t covered on the news or even dared to be talked about. This was my growth as a student and as a person, I wish other can experience full immersion and enjoy the true beauty their study abroad country has to offer.

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

Once I knew I wanted to study abroad, I made it a point to keep my upper-division GEs as a slot for me to take abroad. I did this with the intention to be able to having many options on which classes I could take and then be able to choose which ones interested me. As I took 4 classes abroad, I took 3 for my major requirements and for my minor in Spanish. 

Being able to take European Economic Integration, Environmental Economics, Project Management, and lastly a journalism class for Spanish writers was not easy, as the school had different grading systems and the professors were not as flexible as they are back in San Jose. As I did not live on campus and would commute an hour 4 days a week, I made sure that the rest of my time was dedicated to visiting new places around the city that involved some way I could get work done. This would be trying multiple new cafes in a day while getting work done, sitting in a new park while basking in the sun, but getting work done.

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience?

Before leaving for my study abroad experience, I realized how important LinkedIn was and the real meaning of connections beyond a conversation. I was able to create connections with my professors during my study abroad, and I am still in touch with them. During my travels, I would meet many people working for companies back home in the US, but they were able to pick up their stuff and be able to travel while working. These were the connections I was looking for; therefore, it ultimately sharpened my goals, and I learned how to network with individuals I could see myself potentially messaging in the future for a reference. 

Every conversation was a gateway to meeting other people and potentially even finding jobs post-graduation, or if not, I was inspired by everyone. Regardless of age, gender, or race, every single conversation mattered to me and helped me realize we are all on our own pace and our own paths. I am on my own path and journey and that is what makes us all unique. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

As I was able to solo-travel for a month in August and a month in December, I was able to meet new people with whom I am still in contact today. This immersion impacted my perspective because, in the beginning, I was timid to go and almost chickened out of this great experience. But the more I looked into the program, things to do, and places to travel, I only excited myself more. 

When I took solo trips, I made sure to involve myself in as many activities as I could to meet new people, this would be staying in hostels and joining the free tours they would do of the city to learn about a place through a local’s perspective. Or I would play cards with groups in the lobby; this was the raw and real experiences that changed the way I saw traveling. 

Everyone who wanted to travel just did it, scared or not; they still wanted to see the world. I learned how to spend a lot of time with myself and become my own best friend. It inspired me to realize what I wanted to do post-graduation and where I see myself in the future. This immersion was not only life-changing, but it also helped me answer questions I wanted answers to for a very long time.  

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future? As an international business major this studying abroad prepared me for my future and not only excited me but has led me to look into master’s programs abroad. I am excited for the endless options and opportunities this major can grant me and by taking the chance of going abroad again in the future will be a breeze for me, and hopefully I can explain to others on how to do so as well.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans?

There are many ways to study abroad on a budget. I would give the advice of doing your research and learning which program is right for you. From there, the planning begins.

I would give advice, especially to those going to Barcelona, on which areas to go to, how to get to school, ways to travel, and the ins and outs of Barcelona and traveling around Europe.

Julieta Mendiola

This is me and 2 of my best friends I made in my year abroad. Meeting them was the best gift that my Granada experience gave me (this was taken at our final program dinner – Alhambra ft. in the back)

NAME: Julieta Mendiola

MAJOR: Child and Adolescent Development

PROGRAM: CSU IP- Granada Spain – Academic year 2024-2025

EMAIL: julieta.mendiola@sjsu.edu

BIO:

Hi my name is Julieta Mendiola and am majoring in child development, pursuing a minor in psychology, as well as a minor in deaf studies. I come from a Latino family (both parents are from Mexico and raised me and my 2 siblings with their Mexican culture, traditions, and heritage). I am bilingual in English and Spanish and proficient in American Sign Language. I did competitive artistic gymnastics for 19 years of my life and am now 23 and would say that it has shaped me into the person I am today. I was on the D1 gymnastics team here at SJSU for my first 3 years of college and went through a lot of growth and challenges in that year. I had visited Europe before with my family, but really was left with an itch to continue exploring (and this time on my own). I really wanted to be in a new environment and have the opportunity to meet people from around the world and just widen my perspective on a lot of different things. I had also never been fully alone and wanted to experience that also was really curious on exploring how child development differs between location, environment, and cultures and learned a lot from all the different cultures and groups of people I got to meet, and as well as from my 2 internships I got to do while studying in Granada. I was nervous to commit to the decision of studying abroad in Spain because it was a big change, full of a lot of unknown factors, and also really far away from home/family, and I was actively deciding to leave my current life here in California (when I felt like everything in most aspects of my life at home was very aligned and going well and also could foresee some planned upcoming great opportunities for me that I would not get to pursue in the academic year 2024- 2025 if I did decide to study abroad). But, making the decision to study abroad has been one of/if not the best decision of my life so far.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

I wanted to be in a new environment away from all my past commitments, social groups, and comfort and learn to live with myself and get to know myself as well as learn to put me and my needs first and learn what that feels like. Another goal was to open and widen my perspective through meeting people from around the world and immersing myself in a new culture as well as traveling to explore other countries. I also wanted to do school in another country as well as learn about Spanish history and culture (this was interesting to me since I am Mexican and was going to an environment/country that was the one that conquered Mexico many years ago). I also wanted to try a lot of new things as much as possible.

 PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

 ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad? While abroad, I took a mixture of courses. I took some upper division GE’s that I needed for graduation that really interested me. I did an internship course I needed for service hours (I loved it so much that I ended up doing another one in the spring semester). One was being a English language TA for a variety of ages in a religious, private elementary school in Granada (that was almost completely homogenous with Spanish students). The second semester, I did a volunteering internship in an after school program in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Granada and had such a 180 flip experience with the population of students I had.  I took cool courses like Flamenco culture, Spanish Sign language, Spanish music, writing texts in Spanish,

 CAREER: What skills did you learn / sharpen during your study abroad experience? I feel like my street smarts improved, my social skills, my self-care capabilities, I feel like I got braver to try new things, I also feel like my traveling skills improved so much and my instincts in dangerous situations improved.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

One of my biggest takeaways was seeing how many versions of “normal” exist in the world and that I really can never ever judge anyone because of the immense diversity of perspectives, cultures, environments, thought processes that just exist. It’s increased my empathy, my ability to have an open-mind as well as being patient and willing to hear many different perspectives. Also the idea that assumptions tend to be harmful and wrong most of the time. The best thing we can do is try new things with an open-mind because you just never know what something really is like until you experience it and then get to form your own opinion. It also widened my perspective on the idea of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd world countries and how different people can be living and also maybe never get the opportunity to leave the country they’re in (and seeing how their perspective on the world looks like without having left their own country is really interesting.) There is just so much to explore and I can’t really describe it best in words but just really engrained the idea of “never judge a book by it’s cover” and I believe that this experience is so rewarding and I wish it could be something everyone could experience once in their life. It made me reflect on my life a lot and what felt like a big deal and seeing what I used to feel like really defined me (like clubs I was a part of, or certain friend groups I was with ) and how certain parts of my life felt so big…but then after being abroad it just widened my perspective on so many levels.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future? I feel like now moving somewhere new or trying something new, doesn’t seem as scary and excites me more with the possibilities that may come from it. It also had made me reevaluate future goals that I have and where I want to go searching/pursuing them. I learned so much from my classes there as well as from all my interactions there too.

TIPS: What advice would you give to future Global Spartans? It’s going to seem new, scary, and unknown but you will surprise yourself with your ability to adapt and make the best out of every situation. Going there and actually living it yourself gives you a new perspective that is hard to put into words but will change the way you look at everything.

Valentina Millenia Ramsay

NAME: Valentina Ramsay
MAJOR: Advertising
PROGRAM: Spain – SJSU Exchange – Toulouse Business School – Barcelona Campus
Email: valentina.ramsay4@gmail.com
BIO: Please tell us about you and why you chose to study abroad.

I chose to study abroad because it has always been a dream of mine to live in another country, especially during my younger years-an opportunity not many get. I also have traveled many times before so I felt comfortable going alone- and was very excited to.

CAREER: What skills did you learn/sharpen during your study abroad experience?

Reflect on how your study abroad experience and the skills, knowledge, or networking has enhanced or contributed to your life back on campus or home.

I opened my mind to new cultures in many different ways. I learned cooking, dancing, and even just a difference in communicating, with many different cultures. I also learned many customs of different cultures, which have broadened my perspective on what I knew my previous world to be.

GOALS: What were your goals for studying abroad?

Reflect on the personal, academic, and professional goals that you had set out to achieve on your study abroad experience?

Personal: Become more independent and open my mind to new things- see what I prefer and don’t prefer as much. Academic: Be able to experience learning in a new environment to see if I learned better or not as well as in the States. Professional: Learn more about different manners, expectations, and worth ethics of people around the world. Also network. I achieved all of them!

PERSONAL GROWTH: What was the biggest impact that your study abroad experience had on you?

I formed many meaningful friendships- some even deeper within the short amount of time I had formed them in comparison to some relationships I’ve had in the States. I learned that most European and some Latin American people seem to show lots of genuine care and appreciation to everyone, even if they had just met you. Conversations are deeper, they are more heartfelt and meaningful.

ACADEMICS: How would you describe your academic experience abroad?

Share what courses you chose to take abroad and the strategies you used to ensure your academic success. How has the experience impacted your academics now that you have returned to SJSU?

I took courses on Marketing and Ethics. A lot of assignments were group-project based, so I did my best to do my part while also making sure that the group- most of them with English as a second language- were on the same page. I must admit though: going to a school with primarily French-speaking students- there was a  lot of pressure I put on myself to not look like the “dumb American”. Blunt, but that was my experience as one of the two Americans in the entire school. At the end of the day, I am so proud of myself for never letting that pressure stop me from being the charismatic person I am and making so many friends-even with the initially reserved French students (One who I soon ended up dating actually). Although the different teaching styles made it hard at times- I had to keep an open mind and persevere. Returning home, I have used some new skills and perspectives I had collected abroad to do things differently than before.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How has your immersion impacted your perspectives on the world?

My immersion has completely changed the view I have of the world and even my day-today life. All of a sudden I can bring a second perspective into the picture for almost every single situation in my life, as I have experienced the world in a completely different way than I was used to before. It has made me become an even more accepting and simultaneously curious person.

FUTURE: How has study abroad prepared you for your future?

Study abroad has prepared me for my future by teaching me to be open and accepting of new things, even some which may push me out of my comfort zone, and most importantly; made me more independent and fearless.

TIPS: What advice would you give to a future Global Spartan?

Be open to anything. Meet new people. Eat funny things. Try to learn the language but even if you struggle – don’t be afraid to talk to those around you. Step out of your comfort zone. You traveled to this country knowing nobody- so don’t be afraid to go on solo dates with yourself when you haven’t made friends yet- even just as simple as a walk around your new neighborhood. You’re still young- go out more during the day and or night. Once you do this you will find even more to do, and establish even more connections. You will realize how quickly a 24-hour day passes, and some days there’s so much to do- it’s almost hard to choose. Give yourself mental rest when needed, of course, but don’t allow yourself to come back wishing you could’ve done more.

 

Viridiana Galvez Garcia

Viridiana Galvez Garcia

Major: Business Accounting
Term Abroad: Winter 2023
Year: Junior
Program / Location: Barcelona, Spain: FLP – A Taste of Spain

Why did you want to study abroad? 

I wanted to study abroad because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone . I love learning about different cultures and exposing myself to new experiences.

What has been your most surprising, positive, or challenging experience abroad?

My most positive experience abroad includes meeting amazing students in my program and getting to know more about local people and their traditions.

How did you manage your academic success abroad during the pandemic?

I scheduled certain times during the day to focus only on my school responsibilities, making sure I was completing all my assignments.

What are some ways that you interacted with the local community?

I am a very curious person. I tried to ask as many questions as possible whenever we were taking a tour.

What are some tips for managing your health and safety while abroad?

I would say making sure to always having a face mask around, also washing your hands as often as possible and making sure you follow the host county guidelines.

Any advice to potential study abroad students?

Always listen to the professor and the study abroad and away staff advice. Follow their instructions and make the best out of this unforgettable experience.

Mariana Rojas-Montoya

Mariana Rojas-Montoya
Major: Physics
Term Abroad: Winter 2023
Program / Location: Spain FLP

Why did you want to study abroad? 
I wanted to explore something completely different from my major, and it was a good reset for myself before starting a new semester. When I first started college, I didn’t think that studying abroad was even in the cards for me since my major did not require a study abroad experience. When I found out that there were programs that covered a student’s area V, I got excited. It was an impulsive decision since I applied right after I read about it, but such spontaneity led to academic growth. On top of that, I’ve been wanting to practice my Spanish more, so a program for Spain was my immediate first choice.

What has been your most surprising, positive, or challenging experience abroad?
The thing that I enjoyed the most was how much time I was able to spend with my classmates. My favorite moments include touring historical spots, cooking together, shoe making, learning about the production of certain foods, and being introduced to new dishes during our group meals. I especially cherished the activities that my classmates and I did during our free time. It was during those moments that we were able to bond through laughter, curiosity, sharing stories from our own lives, and expressing our gratitude for having this experience abroad together. I am incredibly lucky to have traveled with this cohort. They really did make the program even more worthwhile.

How are you managing your academic success abroad during the pandemic?
I was able to manage my academic success abroad by being mindful of my assignments and their due dates. I also view my experience in the program as a form of management for my overall academic success in San Jose State. I wanted time to think about how I’ve been feeling with my studies back at home, and the trip provided me the chance to disconnect from anything related to my major, which felt refreshing. Regardless of what major a student has, it is always healthy to just step back from it for a little while and rest. By being in a setting that allowed me to learn and unwind at the same time, I was able to make choices upon returning home that will help me achieve my academic goals.

What are some ways that you are interacting with the local community ?
A memorable interaction that I had was with a store owner who ran a stationery store in Barcelona. My roommate and I were looking for a gift while exploring small alleyways during our free time, which is how we ended up in the store. I started chatting with the store owner, and that is when she told me that the notebooks were special since they were all handmade in house. She shared a story about her upbringing and how she developed her interest in making notebooks. I then learned about how people in that town would have a vision of things that they like, so they would open a small business to share it with the public. It felt special hearing these stories through her, and she even told me about other antique stores that she recommended I visit during my trip. Barcelona is filled with nooks and crannies of people’s art, and making those discoveries is the best part of interacting with the locals.

What are some tips for managing your health and safety while abroad?
Coordinate with your classmates regarding communication. Always let them know where you or someone is going, which is crucial if anything were to happen. Always observe your surroundings, keep your purses/bags in front of you to protect your belongings, and stay in areas where there are plenty of people and enough lighting. As for health, do bring masks, sanitizing wipes, and medication.

Any advice to potential study abroad students?

  • Research the weather for all of the programs offered. This might be a no-brainer for those who travel a lot, but it could be something that doesn’t cross someone’s mind if they don’t travel much or at all.
  • Even if your major does not require a study abroad experience, Spartans Abroad does offer programs that can cover an upper division general education area such as area V. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the office and/or professors with questions about those details, I really encourage speaking with them if you have any doubts about anything!
  • If you are considering doing a program, then go for it! As mentioned before, sometimes you just need to step back from your current major studies and take time to explore new things. It is beneficial since you are able to realize/reflect on what is truly making you happy in life. Just go out and live!