Packing. One of the most challenging feats of studying abroad. You need to pack enough for a month, but what is enough? Becasue chances are you haven't necessarily travelled for a full month somewhere. And if you did it was probably not 5,500 miles away from home. And if it was, well this part of study abroad will be a piece of cake. Unfortunately for me I had no experience whatsoever in Spain, and knew nothing of what to expect from culture to weather. All I had was a cousins advice who visited in different city of spain, some wikipedia facts and some eerie myths about how spaniards hated flip flops (Which by the way is false, but we will go into that later).
Anyways back to the packing part. I will provide some insight on the do's and don't of packing and some things will be more particular to women (sorry guys!) but othe tips are relevant to both. 1. Please, for the sake of your sanity do not procrastinate on packing. I know we all do it but this whole study abroad thing is not a do-the-night-before type of trip. Just. don't. 2. Lists! List. Lists are critical so you don't forget anything. The worst is forgetting underwear or sunscreen. Plus start the shopping a week at minimum in advance for anything you are missing. 3. Do your research. I know the last thing on my mind was research, afterall I was on summer vaction. It is necessary to give yourself some sort of knowledge about the place you will be living in for a month. Read other people's blogs, and websites to give you a gist of weather and culture in the area. 4. The Spanisards are classy and not the flannels, leggings and birkenstock type of flagstaff style. They love platform sandals, dressing nice and presentable. This does not mean you need to bring heels, but keep in mind you WILL stick out if your wear tshirt and jeans everyday. 5. SUMMER in SPAIN = HOT. Sunscreen is a must and so are shorts. But remember that jeans can be reused like 2 times, so no need to overpack on bottoms. I made the mistake of not packing enough shorts and an alternate pair of tennis shoes to rotate shoes during the week. Comfy shoes are a necessity becasue Salamanca is vey much a walking place of reach up to 10 miles a day. Short sleeves, and one light jacket is enough, and plus your host mom does laundry once a week. Remember you are going to study not to strut a catwalk so don't stress too much about your looks. As a tourist you will stick out no matter how hard you try to blend in, so don't sweat it when packing. For now, say goodbye to the cactus, the dry heat (becasue spain is humid) and comfort of american culture. Brace yourself. Now to address the age old question: Why did I choose sto study abroad? Well, why not? First and foremost I needed the credits for spanish, and second I have aspirations to travel and hence the study abroad doors open. I am blessed to be a native speaker of Spanish and having been exposed to hispanic latin culture throughout my whole life. Yet I know a language is more than just learning to speak it, and has more to do with the culture, origin and roots. Therefore I would have to travel to where Spanish language was first born: Spain. Besides the fact that my favorite singer, Enrique Iglesias, is from Spain, I chose this country becasue I know absolutely nothing about the spaniard culture. So I saw this study abroad as a great opportunity to immerse myslf in a very different culture. Salamanca is definetely not the first place I would have thought of for studying abroad, but I had heard about the beauty of this university town. Salamanca is the oldest university town in Spain, and one of the most purest forms of spanish and ancient architecture. My goal for studing abroad is to expand my horizon on the linguistics of spanish, and become knowledgeable of the spaniard culture. Culture absolutely fascinates me and spanish language is music to my ears, so I cannot wait to begin this adventure.
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