Some students spend their summers at home, sleeping in until noon. But this summer Jessica Jensen woke up each morning in a home in Salamanca, Spain. She shared toast and jam, muffins and cafe con leche with her host family, who spoke only Spanish, before heading out to studies at her university.
Wendy Baker of Academic Affairs organized the USF St. Petersburg Spain trip, as she does with every Study Abroad program offered through the USFSP system. Professor Herrero, a USF Spanish language professor, worked particularly on this trip. Students spent three weeks, June 28 through July 20, in Salamanca, Spain, speaking only Spanish.
There were no prerequisites to participate, according to Senior Gabriele Mitchell. Students had to enroll in two classes, one Spanish language course, and another in Overseas Study worth two credits.
Students took Spanish grammar and conversation classes at Estudio Sampere, Salamanca. The university has five locations, including Ecuador and Cuba. While there, students participate in activities such as dance lessons, city tours and games, and enjoy the culture in Salamanca.
Junior Jessica Jensen, spent two consecutive summers in Salamanca, Spain, totaling six full weeks studying in the Spanish-speaking country.
“Your host family only speaks Spanish, the teachers only speaks Spanish,” Jensen said. “It really pushes you out of your comfort zone to communicate. Sometimes you have to be creative when you are learning, but everyone is patient with you and happy to help you learn.”
Senior Luke Singer is minoring in Spanish. He signed up for the trip anticipating to grow his language skills and to delve into the Spain’s culture.
“Being able to take classes and practice every day in and outside school definitely has its advantages,” Singer said. “You are forced to speak the language and are able to remember what you have learned.”
Jensen believes it is important to study in places that have piqued your interest, rather than being concerned about the credits you can get. USF advisors are good about helping students find classes that count toward their major, she said.
Students spent many evenings in the plaza, taking advantage of shopping deals and enjoying World Cup coverage.
“I learned a lot about Spain’s culture as well as the American culture by being there,” said Jensen. “It also forces you to learn about yourself; seeing how adaptable you really are, how conditioned you have become to the American society.
