I wanted a very Spanish-intensive program. Other programs that I looked into either weren't long enough, didn't have homestays, or required that I take non-Spanish classes, but CIEE met all of my requirements. It didn't hurt that Alicante happened to be on the coast either!
Alumni Spotlight: Maria Anthony
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Maria is a current student at the University of Notre Dame studying Business and Spanish. In the summer of 2017, she studied abroad with CIEE in Alicante, Spain for eight weeks.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
I did the majority of organizing on my own, but it is not stressful. CIEE makes it a very pain-free process for the participants.
I learned about and applied to CIEE on my own, then only needed Notre Dame's assistance with approving my application. The university also provided me with some abroad insurance and advice. After that, I booked flights, selected classes, etc. on my own.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Build a strong relationship with your host family from the start! If they've agreed to do this, then they are excited to have you and eager to help you. Even if you don't think your Spanish is very good, ask about them and their lives, tell them about yourself, and by the time you leave, you'll know you have a second family halfway around the world.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
My average day consisted of going to class in the mornings, coming home to eat lunch with my host family, meeting up with friends at the beach, and returning for dinner with my host family. I was able to travel every weekend, so those days were always different and fun!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was my lack of Spanish skills, and to be honest, it was hard to overcome. Upon arrival, I was still a little hesitant to speak, but that quickly changed as I realized that no one cared if I talked a little slowly or made a grammatical error. It is so much better for me, and more fun, to just practice, practice, practice, not sit on the sidelines timidly.
What was your biggest takeaway from studying abroad?
You can find something in common with/connect with anyone, anywhere. My classmates were from all over the United States, went to various schools, and had completely different backgrounds - but four weeks in, it felt like we had been best friends for years.
My host family and I didn't speak the same (first) language, didn't have the same customs, live half a world apart, and yet we bonded over our loves for tennis and chocolate. This aspect of humanity is a special and amazing thing.