The Perfect Combination of Independence and Cultural Interaction

When I reflect on the experience I had with LITA, I only have amazing things to say. When I was looking for an immersion program in Spain, I wanted one that would be extensive, personal, and teach me both about the culture and language of the country. It was a brief search, for as soon as I heard about LITA, I knew it was perfect, and my expectations were only exceeded when I actually had the privilege of going. The rural focus of this trip leads to an experience you would never get as a tourist, allowing you to go behind the scenes of what you would typically expect from a travel program and focusing on the people and culture. I built amazing relationships with my group and locals alike, many of which are still maintained through social media and mail, and I felt like I was able to genuinely experience the country as a native. This program had the ideal balance of structure to ensure safety and engagement, and plently of time and opportunities to explore and grow independently. There were definitely times where homesickness, the total Spanish immersion, or a variety of other factors became overwhelming, but the program was always there for support, and ultimately, these challenging moments helped everyone become more resilient, self-aware, and independent. Finally, I think what truly sets this program apart from others is the homestay. I became incredibly close with my host family, especially my host sister, I was able to apply my Spanish by working in the mayor's office for my internship, and I learned so much about what it means to be a teenager and person in Spain. LITA truly helped me improve my Spanish, increase my confidence, and become a global citizen, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to any student willing to throw themselves into an incredibly rewarding experience.