So, in approximately 54 days, I'm leaving to spend 5 months living in Valladolid, Spain. 5 months. Phew. It seems like such a long time when I write it down. Okay, okay, I know what you're probably thinking...
ERIN. It's just about 2 months away, and you're starting to write now?!
Well, here's what's up, buttercup. While in Spain, I plan on writing a ton about my experiences, but I think an important part of that is what you feel before, during and after a trip abroad. So I felt it important to write down how I'm feeling now, my apprehensions before I arrive in España, and some of my fears about spending 5 months in foreign country.
When my sister was in college, she spent a month working in India to complete her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She had the time of her life, although living in some harsh conditions for a while. She was able to learn a new culture, and pick up on a new language in the short time she was in India. I was in awe of the experience she came back with, and I wanted to be able to broaden my horizons as well.
In 2006, I traveled to Spain for 10 days. I absolutely fell in love with the country while I was there, and vowed to always go back. I'm so fortunate to have this experience to be able to go back to Spain, and for a much longer, substantial time. Deciding to study abroad was a difficult decision for me to make - I'm nearing the end of my college career, and I wondered if I would even have time to fit a semester in. Fortunately, I found time. I also know that when I get back from Spain, I'll be near broke, without a job, and done with school. Needless to say, I'm applying for jobs now, so that by the time I get back, I might have something lined up. I chose to study abroad because even though I know I'll travel in my future, I'll never really have the same opportunity as I have now. I don't have kids, a full time job, or any huge obligations tying me down to my life here. I can pick up and go for 5 months. I really want to be able to polish my Spanish speaking skills, and become more confident in them.
Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely terrified to be living in a foreign country for 5 months. I know in the long run it'll be a great experience, but for now, I'm just thinking about everything that could go wrong.
- Living with a host family for the duration of our trip. It's almost a guarantee that I'll offend someone in my home. I know I will!
- Learning the language. Yes, I do speak Spanish now. But it's mostly an "americanized" Spanish. It's not up to speed, or up to par. It'll take a while to get used to.
- Learning the customs. Every country has different traditions, things they normally do, and things they don't do. Our traditions and customs are way different than Spain's.
Here's to grabbing life by the horns. It'll be a great adventure, amigos!
