Now that I am towards the end of my program, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my time here. This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience and I am grateful that I have made some of the best memories here that have turned into stories that I can bring back with me to tell my family and friends.
The educational system was an experience within itself. Although I did not do direct enrollment to take classes with the local students, I still took classes at the local university in Spanish which allowed me to still be immersed in the culture and the educational system. A unique experience I had with the educational system was that once a week I volunteered as a culture and language assistant at a local primary school where I would help teach fourth graders English. Being able to see the differences in the educational system was very eye opening and overall positive experience. I was able to connect more with the Spanish culture through the stories that I would hear from the students, and they were also able to learn about American customs and traditions.
I also took a Spanish literature and cooking class where we learned about the significance of food in literature. I had this class twice a week and the first day we read and analyzed works of literature and the second day we got to cook! I got to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes as well as appetizers and desserts. It was a very different and unique experience being able to learn hands on how to cook while also being more immersed in the culture.
Ailyn Esquivel
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Psychology & Spanish
Program: CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts & Liberal Arts in Seville