How Studying Abroad Gives You a Superpower

When I was in the fourth grade, I decided that I was going to become fluent in Spanish. I had just met Yanea, the new student who had transferred from another elementary school in the district, and we became fast friends, bonding over our shared love for Shawn Mendes. Eagerly, we scheduled a “playdate”, complete with the necessary parent meeting before we could visit each other’s homes. But there was one problem—a language barrier. Yanea’s parents, originally from Mexico, weren’t yet fluent in English, and my parents didn’t speak a word of Spanish. I remember watching, captivated, as nine-year-old Yanea translated for each set of forty-something-year-old adults, seamlessly switching between languages. I wanted that superpower. I wanted the ability to communicate with even more people; to connect without language ever being an issue. So, I decided that I, too, would become fluent. Back then, I didn’t quite understand the effort that goes into learning a new language. At that time, I had only been studying Spanish for two years, and hadn’t internalized much of the language. As I matured, I continued taking Spanish classes, and in high school took a course that reignited my passion for the language, driving me to declare it as a minor when I began college. 

Now, halfway through the required courses for my minor, I can confidently say that my Spanish classes are my favorite part of each semester. I love learning about the cultures, hearing about the experiences of my professors, and engaging with classmates in a new way. But what excites me most is the knowledge that learning this language opens the door to connecting with people across the world. As an aspiring film producer and storyteller, I am preparing to enter an industry that often overlooks marginalized communities. Our communities are underrepresented in mainstream media, and the stories told about us are frequently distorted or ignored. My mission is to change this by sharing authentic, diverse voices, starting with the connections I build through language. The prospect of speaking to and hearing the stories of so many people is thrilling. By learning Spanish, I am not only expanding my linguistic abilities but also preparing myself to tell richer, more inclusive stories that reflect the diverse world we live in. 

Visiting Salamanca through the IES Abroad Psychology program is the perfect option for my first study abroad experience. Rich with history and known as “La Ciudad de Español”, this city is widely regarded as the ideal option for intermediate speakers. The city is home to a prestigious university, la Universidad de Salamanca, that attracts students from all over the world, creating a multicultural environment that I am excited to be part of. This experience will allow me to immerse myself not just in Spanish language and culture, but in the cultures of students from across the globe. Salamanca is also considered a hub for student life, bursting at the seams with student-friendly activities and opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom. Its location in northwestern Spain, just a short trip from Madrid and other towns, offers the perfect opportunity to explore the country and gain a deeper understanding of Spanish life and culture.

While I have greatly appreciated the Spanish courses I’ve taken in the U.S., studying in Salamanca will allow me to take my language skills to the next level. This will be a unique opportunity to immerse myself in Spanish culture, improve my fluency, and return with a wealth of stories to share. This experience will not only refine my Spanish-speaking abilities but will also provide me with a greater understanding of the world and its diverse cultures—an understanding I hope to bring to my future career in entertainment.