Breaking the Mold and Doing the Impossible: Study Abroad Salamanca, Spain

Many years ago, when I first pursued my college education, my plans were cut short by financial difficulties. My dreams of college life and a degree were placed on hold, as I had to leave school, get a job and help support my family. Soon afterwards, I married and started a family of my own, which though wonderful, pushed these college dreams of mine even further away. It would be almost 15 years later that I would push through these difficulties to pursue my dream, having started my journey towards a Communications degree and a career in public relations.

I have an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Spain for a summer session of three weeks with my current college Northeast Lakeview College. I will visit the vibrant cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Segovia and stay for three weeks in Salamanca, Spain. While studying in Spain, I will engage in discussions, classes, artistic projects and volunteer projects that will enhance my understanding of the Spanish culture, language and an overall awareness of international relationship building for not only future business, but to become globally-minded. I will be taking Spanish 1412 or Intermediate Spanish and Business and Professional Speaking or Speech 1321. These courses are will give me six credits that are a part of my Associates degree plan at Northeast Lakeview.

Only about 5 percent of Americans who study abroad are black, according to the Institute of International Education. Which is quite startling considering that, according to a well-known long-term study conducted by the 35 institutions of the University System of Georgia, four-year graduation rates were 31 percent higher for African-Americans who studied abroad compared to those who didn’t. Globally minded employees are in high demand. The study abroad program for Spain will afford me the opportunity to fulfill requirements for my associates, and one day, bachelor’s degree, in my chosen concentration of communications. Speaking in terms of the “big picture”, I will be getting a leg up in a very competitive job market that is currently seeking individuals with global perspective.