New Friends, Family, and Career Connections in Undiscovered Galicia

A Coruna is EXTREMELY safe. Walking around on a weekend evening from 2-4am in the summer, I rarely felt unsafe and often saw families or young children out on the streets. The city is also extremely walkable, so it is easy to get anywhere in 10-30 minutes.
Living with a host family was amazing- coordinated by Nicole to meet our personal requests, I lived with two young professionals in a very clean 3-bedroom apartment. I had my own room and access to a very clean bathroom, kitchen, and city center. In addition, the building I lived in was extremely welcoming and socially and educationally engaged with me to show me the city and improve my conversation skills. I am extremely thankful to all of the people in my building.
Nicole was always available; for advice, practical assistance, or company. However, she somehow always knew when to push you beyond your boundaries or check in with you at the exact right times. She is a wise woman with many worldly connections that has immeasurable worth.
Studying at Universidad da Coruna was a complex yet extremely rewarding Spanish-language learning experience. Not only were the University resources sufficient, but the teachers were extremely kind, generous with their time, and knowledgeable. Class sizes were extremely small and limited to the students in the study abroad program, so a lot of conversation and one-on-one learning made for a perfect environment to gain comfort ability speaking.