Of all the events I have experienced thus far in my life, I feel the most blessed to have had the opportunity to study and travel overseas. This is one detour that I highly recommend to every person, be you a college student or AARP member.
Two summers ago I studied abroad in Valencia, España. I took Spanish courses through the Universidad de Valencia with about 50 other students through UGA’s study abroad program. While I enhanced my language skills and grammar etiquette of the Spanish language, I also greatly developed my appreciation and love for the Spanish culture.
This trip influenced me so much that I plan to return to Spain after graduation to further develop my Spanish skills with determination of bilingualism. I plan to utilize both of my majors (Public Relations and Spanish) in my career in the future. I am unsure of what that will exactly entail at this point, however I know I want to use my Spanish skills in my everyday aspirations. Some might say that traveling after college is somewhat cliché and a way to merely “put real life off.” Penelope Trunk, author of The Brazen Careerist, believes that adventures are an excellent way to discover things about yourself and better prepare you for jobs you may have later in life. I am completely convinced and confident that my time spent abroad will not hinder me in my eventual career goals but rather serve as an excellent detour on my road of life.
Below are some snapshots from my world travel. For further descriptions of each picture just click on the image. Enjoy!
4 responses so far ↓
pennysailing // January 31, 2008 at 2:20 am |
I don’t think travel is putting anything off! In fact, it is the BEST way to glean valuable insight into our holistic world and decide how you want to incorporate yourself into it. Good for you! Everyone says, follow your heart and your dreams. But, how many of us actually do it? It is so important to grow yourself through real-world experiences while, at the same time, gaining insight into how you can best live and thrive on this amazing planet.
Change Your Life: Study Abroad » Keep Up With Me // March 3, 2008 at 2:15 pm |
[...] Jackie calls her time abroad her “best detour yet.” This [summer trip to Valencia, Spain] influenced me so much that I plan to return to Spain after graduation to further develop my Spanish skills with determination of bilingualism. I plan to utilize both of my majors (Public Relations and Spanish) in my career in the future. I am unsure of what that will exactly entail at this point, however I know I want to use my Spanish skills in my everyday aspirations. Some might say that traveling after college is somewhat cliché and a way to merely “put real life off.” […] I am completely convinced and confident that my time spent abroad will not hinder me in my eventual career goals but rather serve as an excellent detour on my road of life. [...]
Jessica Sztaimberg // March 26, 2008 at 4:25 pm |
Studying abroad and learning a second language is a very helpful tool when looking for a job. Employers like to know that candidates have a world view, and an understanding for other cultures. Confidence, independence, and openness to change are also other great personality traits that come from studying abroad. I don’t believe in the “real world” concept, because I think that all of life is the real world, not just the time spent working a full time job. However, I did buy a book called “Delaying the Real World” to see what other options were out there, other than working straight after I graduated. I came across the idea of living/studying/working abroad, and since I had already studied abroad once before, I knew I had to go again. This time I went to Spain, where I got to meet up with family members I hadn’t seen in 9 years and meet family members for the first time! I learned so much about the Spanish culture, and became accustomed to their way of life. I enjoyed myself immensely, and got to learn how to speak Spanish; whether in class or on the street. I grew a lot, and became familiar with myself, which in America (working 35 hours a week and studying full time) I barely got to do. I took advantage of the fact that I was abroad alone, and got to do what I wanted to do, not what I felt I “had to do”. Being in Spain only helped me further my passion, and made me more of the person that I am today, and I will never regret it.
The German Honor Code « Detour this way–> // January 21, 2009 at 7:19 pm |
[...] code” must be reciprocated as well. From my previous experience in Barcelona during my 2006 study abroad, this was not the case and I must never leave my belongings available to the public [...]