Study Abroad Programs, World Smart
I'm so happy to partner with World Smart, an organization that raises money for study abroad programs for underrepresented high school students. Here is a link to their travel themed apparel used to raise money toward the programs: World Smart Apparel. This organization supports something near and dear to me. Of all the experiences that have changed my life, visiting a different country is the most unique. This is especially true at a young age, when the brain is still expanding and absorbing. I've found that even a short trip can alter life and shift my perspective. My high school adventures in Spain taught me a lot and led to my lifelong passion for travel.
It was a cool fall evening when I arrived in Valladolid, Spain for a two week exchange program through my high school. It was my first time being away from my parents for an extended period of time. I had e-mailed back and forth with my host sister, but I was still both anxious and excited. My host family consisted of my host sister, her mother and a lively yorkshire terrier. My host mother spoke little to no English, while my host sister knew about as much English as I knew Spanish. At the time, I was in an honors Spanish class. I knew how to speak and write well, but comprehension was more of a challenge. They spoke so fast that I found myself constantly repeating "Mas despacio, por favor"(Slow down please).
Each day we were able to communicate with a little more ease. In getting to know one another, we learned about the differences between our cultures. I was curious about the bidet in the bathroom and she was curious about why I needed to take a shower every day or every other day! My host mother made our lunches each morning, much like my parents did for me back home. I remember opening my lunch box, nervous about what I would find inside. If I didn't eat my entire lunch, my host mother look concerned and upset when we got home. I learned quickly to just try it, whatever it was!
This experience opened my eyes to a whole new world outside of the one I knew. Growing up in a small town meant I wasn't exposed to many differences. I was able to see my friends at school daily and e-mail my Mom at night, so I still felt safe and secure. However, I still had to step outside of my comfort zone. I love that World Smart is helping to give more students incredible experiences like mine!
It was a cool fall evening when I arrived in Valladolid, Spain for a two week exchange program through my high school. It was my first time being away from my parents for an extended period of time. I had e-mailed back and forth with my host sister, but I was still both anxious and excited. My host family consisted of my host sister, her mother and a lively yorkshire terrier. My host mother spoke little to no English, while my host sister knew about as much English as I knew Spanish. At the time, I was in an honors Spanish class. I knew how to speak and write well, but comprehension was more of a challenge. They spoke so fast that I found myself constantly repeating "Mas despacio, por favor"(Slow down please).
Each day we were able to communicate with a little more ease. In getting to know one another, we learned about the differences between our cultures. I was curious about the bidet in the bathroom and she was curious about why I needed to take a shower every day or every other day! My host mother made our lunches each morning, much like my parents did for me back home. I remember opening my lunch box, nervous about what I would find inside. If I didn't eat my entire lunch, my host mother look concerned and upset when we got home. I learned quickly to just try it, whatever it was!
This experience opened my eyes to a whole new world outside of the one I knew. Growing up in a small town meant I wasn't exposed to many differences. I was able to see my friends at school daily and e-mail my Mom at night, so I still felt safe and secure. However, I still had to step outside of my comfort zone. I love that World Smart is helping to give more students incredible experiences like mine!
~Grateful Travels!~
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