Summer Session in Alicante

My session was short; classes were small and teachers did not follow the syllabi but instead changed lesson plans to focus on our weaknesses. I learned more in 5 weeks there than in any of my classes back in the US.

The host family I was placed with absorbed me into their family right away. I felt extremely welcomed, included, and loved. I was terrified to move to another country and live with strangers but my house mom was more accepting and helpful than I could have dreamt of.

The program offered multiple weekend field trips to nearby cities in a very short time frame. This program was well rounded; I feel like they were able to share every aspect of Spanish life with us in every way imaginable (through trips, food, class structure, housing, etc).

My experience in Alicante changed something in me; I have realized how much I do not know about other cultures and how much more I want to learn. Because of this program, I have returned to Spain and am working as a language assistant in Palma de Mallorca. I had to find a way to come back and I am not sure I ever want to go home!