Learning about Language and Life in Salamanca, Spain

I participated in a 6-month study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain where I took courses with the locals about topics related to my linguistics major. At first, I was terrified of leaving behind my seemingly perfect life in the US. But as soon as I arrived, I knew I had made the right choice.
Salamanca was a beautiful city that was very different from every other place I have lived. I stayed with a host family in a lovely apartment and although the language barrier was tricky in the beginning, the host mom quickly became my best friend. She helped me pick my outfits for school, she taught me how to cook some delicious meals, and she made my transition into a new culture fun and simple.
Over the course of my stay there, my Spanish language skills improved tremendously. I never thought I would become fluent, but after being surrounded by the language every day I started to think and even dream in Spanish. The coursework was definitely challenging but it was also incredibly interesting and the program staff was always available to help me. I felt like I learned more in my 6 months there than I had in my 5 years of studying Spanish in the US.
Not only did I grow academically from this trip but I also grew as a person. Living in a different country and having to adapt to a new culture expanded my mind in ways I wasn't expecting. I met amazing people from all over the world and I gained confidence that allowed me to take on challenges that I would have previously seen as too intimidating.
I had so much fun during my study abroad experience and I made so many best friends that I decided to spend the summer in Europe after my program ended. I traveled to almost all of the nearby countries and I began to see the world with a new perspective.
If I had the chance, I would do this all over again!