Academically, studying in Spain presented me with new teaching styles and expectations, which was challenging yet rewarding. Our professors were some of the best I have had during college, treating us respectfully and ensuring our understanding of the topics and of the language. During my time at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, I was able to take two different courses. From these two courses alone, I learned more than I could imagine.

The first course was an Advanced Spanish course in which I was able to significantly improve my proficiency and fluency in the language, which is something that was very important to me. This class had a very tight knit community and involved lots of group work and speaking. Our professor, Carmen, was the most wonderful woman, and she showed all of us patience and kindness while helping us improve in the language with constructive criticism. She treated us as what felt like her friends rather than just students, and I truly believe she single handedly took my fluency to the next level. As well as language acquisition, this course taught me a tremendous amount about Valencian history and culture. It was so rewarding to learn about the country and city I was now living in.

The second course I took was a Spanish Health Professionals class. This class truly opened my eyes and taught me so much about healthcare in Europe, something I had never learned about once in my education in America. We had the opportunity to visit different local health care centers, such as the University's doctors office, a nursing home, a dental clinic, and even a children's learning center. This was such an awesome experience as someone who is a pre-health student and I absolutely loved it. Our professors, David and Angela, made sure that we really understood the differences between healthcare in Spain and the United States, and allowed us to hear their perspectives on the topic. We also learned valuable Spanish vocabulary relating to healthcare. This broadened my knowledge on international healthcare and the things I learned have stuck with me as I progress into my professional career.

From my professors and my own exploration of the city, I also learned so much about Valencian and Spanish culture. Valencia is a city filled with history as it is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Upon arrival there, I was able to walk all around the cobblestone streets in the center of the city and see the architecture and historic buildings. One of these was the famous Cathedral of Valencia. This cathedral holds many important art pieces from the Renaissance, such as those by Goya and Maella. We also got to climb the Miguelete tower that represents gothic style, which led us to the top of the building where we could look across the city of Valencia. We got to see the Towers of Serranos, which are one of the twelve gates that guarded the city walls of Valencia during Roman times. Another unique spot Valencia offers is the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe. This is a science museum with countless amazing exhibits, some interactive. This was super interesting for me and was one of my favorite things I did. Apart from the history, I got to enjoy many different types of cuisine that were some of the best food I have ever had. After class, the other students and I could go to the beach where we would swim and walk around the shops. The downtown center had amazing shopping and showed the more modern parts of the city. There were shows and events that we could go to. Valencian culture was like something I have never seen before. I received a hospitality I have never experienced from the people of Valencia. I was treated respectfully and kindly by everyone I encountered, even though I was a foreign student that was not fully fluent in their language. On my walks to and from school every day, I would see children playing, couples walking, and families just embracing life and culture. Everyone in the community was welcoming and accommodating in a way that inspired me so much.