I was going to talk about my classes and applying
for Fulbright, but instead I just want to talk about Spain. I participated in
two LC study abroad programs: Seville, Spain and Strasbourg, France. I went to
Seville my sophomore year and it was amazing, glorious, and delicious. I cannot
describe how much I enjoyed it. Every time I speak Spanish, I feel a visceral
joy because I am reminded of Seville, my friends there, and the
moments when I learned each new word.
This weekend, I was asked to talk to the next group of
students participating in the program. Lewis & Clark hosts pre-abroad
meetings to help students get ready for the trip, which gives them a chance to
talk about their hopes and fears besides all the logistical stuff. I got to
relive my experience when I talked to them about what to go and see:
about making friends:
(Other LC students and I hanging out with our Spanish speaking partners, "Intercambios," during La Feria, a spring festival when everyone wears traditional flamenco clothing. I'm on the left, wearing a dress that my Spanish friend Cristina let me borrow.)
(LC students just before our flamenco party at El Centro Norte Americano, our school)
about what to eat:
and what to do during free time:
(My roommate Charlotte and I in Chefchaouen, Morocco during Spring break)
(Doing homework at a river café, a typical afternoon in Seville)
I talked about the problems I faced there too. It was, of course, difficult in the beginning, when I was
struggling with the language. I started Spanish at LC, and I went to Spain
after only 3 semesters of Spanish class. For the first month I was pretty
silent, and there were some interesting and funny mess-ups and confusions. But,
being there was the best thing that could have happened. After going abroad, I
progressed so much and now I am comfortable, happy even, when I speak it.
Here is a link to all the study abroad programs at LC:
You will not be disappointed!
Also, if ya have any questions or want to know more, e-mail me at marissaburke@lclark.edu !
Also, if ya have any questions or want to know more, e-mail me at marissaburke@lclark.edu !