Journalism in Spain – The Beginning
Studying abroad is different than any other educational experience. There are still lectures, assignments and exams, however, there’s something unique about experiential learning. As a student who has studied abroad countless times, I know that this experience will allow me to truly immerse myself within a new cultural: trying new foods, meeting new people, seeing new sites, and much more. I chose to study abroad through the Journalism Dialogue of Civilizations program because it gave me the chance to take courses I would otherwise take on campus, while living in a completely new environment.
While in Spain, I hope to change my global perspective. Each and every time I go abroad, I learn to grow a bit more sensitive to other cultures. While in Dublin, I traveled to Belfast and learned about their conflict with England: a battle that still affects locals today. Similarly, while in Paris, I learned about Napoleon’s regime by visiting various sculptures and sites. This is true for my travels to Rome, London, and Amsterdam: each city has it’s own history, culture and people, and the more I travel, the more my global perspective grows.
Although I have extensive study abroad experience, I’ve never studied abroad academically, truly testing my career interests. Through this program, I’m excited to see if the field of journalism is somewhere I can see myself within the next few years. My one ultimate goal is to discover if this is a lifestyle I’m interested in continuing. Immersing myself into a new culture, researching and developing stories, and taking photographs along the way, has always been the dream job I’ve pictured, and this program will testify to that.
In order to achieve this goal, I will need to dedicate myself to this program. This is a unique opportunity that could easily be taken advantage of. If it means waking up early and going to sleep late, it’s worth it. If it means pushing myself outside my comfort zone, talking to new people, trying new food, and speaking a new language, it’s worth it. Ultimately, if it means being tired, uncomfortable and frustrated, it’s worth it.
I’m not scared of the language barrier, the food, or the culture. In fact, I’m not scared of any of it. I’m apprehensive about not having the comfort of my own home that I’m used to, being in a different time zone, and not knowing anyone I’m traveling with. However, I’ve done it countless times before, and I know that the fears and apprehensions tend to disappear once I get off the plane. For now, my one true fear is forgetting to pack something.
With that said, it’s the language barrier, the food and the culture I’m most looking forward, too. I can’t wait to be with new people, in a new city, seeing completely new things. I’m looking forward to living in Spain, writing stories for my friends and family back home, and sharing my experiences with Northeastern through blogs, photos and videos.
