Studying Abroad: Navigating Classes and Academic Challenges

Once I confirmed my spot to study abroad, one of my biggest concerns was how I would  navigate classes in a foreign country. I have previously taken classes that were entirely taught in Spanish, I just could not help but feel restless about whether I would be able to keep up with the classes or perform well on my exams. I was especially more pressured because I did not know what to expect. I was concerned about exam formatting and how to properly study while still enjoying my time abroad. Now that I am done with my classes, I can say all my concerns were not as bad as expected. 

Exam Formats

Unlike typical exams in the United States, all my exams were in essay formats. When I first heard that my exams were not in multiple-choice format, I was anxious. It felt unfamiliar and I just did not know how to prepare. However, I soon realized that exams in essay format allowed me to express my thoughts more freely. I could write as much as I want and I am not graded on correctness but rather on ideas. I felt a sense of liberation knowing that I did not have to confine myself to a single “correct” answer. 

Exam Preparation 

Since all of my classes were very content-heavy, I made a habit of simplifying the main ideas after each lecture. During class, I took handwritten notes, and then at the end of the day I would summarize what I learned. This method helped me connect all the topics together and retain information much more effectively. Altogether, this process probably took an hour outside of class each day, and so I was still able to enjoy my study abroad experience. Before exams, I would get together with a few of my friends and go over each topic. We would create potential exam questions and take turns answering them, which allowed me to not only study the material but also foster a relationship with my peers. If I still had any questions, I would consult with my professor for clarification. 

The classes I took in Madrid have been two of the most interesting classes I ever took. I feel as if I was able to learn not only the language, but also the creation of Spain. I enjoyed learning about each topic through various mediums like paintings, literature and films. I never once felt bored in my classes because of the various teaching techniques. I also was not restricted by the typical grading system, which allowed me to enjoy the learning process without worrying too much about the outcome. I am very grateful for being able to take classes in another country– it reminded me of the enjoyment of learning.