Preparing for departure: apprehension and excitement

Hey there! My name is Violet, and I am a student from Clemson University heading into my third year as a pre-med biology major with a minor in Spanish studies. I will be studying abroad with Temple this summer and traveling to Madrid and Oviedo in hopes of immersing myself in the Spanish language. During my travels, I hope to highlight the benefit of adding language to my curriculum as a STEM major, being a woman in an underrepresented field, and delving into the local culture. As we gear up for our upcoming study abroad programs, I wanted to share a bit about how I’ve been preparing – both practically and emotionally – for the journey ahead. I’ll be using a mix of text and digital media to document my experiences, and I am thrilled to share my journey through Temple in Spain with you! In today’s post, I will highlight some of the points of apprehension and excitement that I have worked through in preparation for my adventure. 

Finances

First things first, a lot of my concern before departing has been over finances. Like many travelers, I’ve been diligently setting aside funds to ensure that I can make the most of my time abroad without breaking the bank. From setting daily spending limits to researching affordable dining options, I’ve been taking steps to strike a balance between adventure and financial responsibility. This summer I have been working two jobs to make up for the month of work I will miss, which I am sure I will thank myself for in the future. Something I am doing to prepare is making a budget spreadsheet to allot the money I am willing to spend on my travels, to ensure I am prepared to participate in the activities that excite me the most. 

Departure anxiety

Amidst the excitement of planning, there’s also nervousness. One fear that’s been on my mind is coming in as the only student from an external university, and knowing no one in my group. Although I am confident in my ability to make friends, I am unsure what to do on my first day in Madrid before our group meets or what to do with my free time in the early stages of the program. In preparation, I have been researching museums and sights to see in Madrid to fill my first day as a solo-traveler. Although I am faced with some fear, I am glad to be pushed out of my comfort zone and have the opportunity to make connections I might not have made without choosing Temple’s program for my study abroad. It is like my concern freshman year of traveling 12 hours from Philadelphia to Clemson for school, which I was able to overcome instantly, and I am sure I will again. I am sure that forming new connections and building relationships will be a highlight of my experience.

Linguistic immersion

Another source of apprehension? Using my Spanish with native speakers, especially after being taught Latin American Spanish rather than European Spanish in school. While I’ve been studying the language for years, I can blank under pressure when it comes to putting my skills to the test in real-world scenarios. But, I’m choosing to see this as an opportunity for growth rather than a barrier, and I’m committed to stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with locals in their native tongue. One of my main aspirations is to entirely communicate in Spanish with my host family, immersing myself fully in the language and culture. My goal is to learn Spanish to use in practice as a (future) doctor. Being able to communicate with non-English speakers will greatly expand the accessibility of my services, and is an extremely useful skill to have. It won’t be easy, but I know that the rewards will be well worth the effort.

Cuisine

Speaking of dinners, I can’t forget about the food! One of my ultimate goals is to try as many new foods as possible during my time abroad. This is one area I have absolutely no apprehension in! I don’t have a problem trying new things and I’m eager to expand my culinary horizons and savor every bite of the experience. 

I’ll be sharing my journey every step of the way – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. So stay tuned, and join me on the adventure of a lifetime. Traveling to a new place can be stressful. If you have any apprehensions about studying abroad with Temple, you can look at their Education Abroad Support Page and see the services they offer to students traveling with them.