If I were to summarize the past four months of my life, twenty flights, eighteen buses, ten trains, ten countries, and a multitude of cherished memories; I would do so in three words: immersion drives change. From this experience, I have come to a profound realization: “Stepping out of your life,” even for a brief period, can have a remarkably transformative impact on an individual. The Paulson Fellowship provided me with a means to stay connected with my thoughts and remain mindful of my surroundings while abroad, which is why for my final project I decided to summarize some of the things I learned in this post. Through this journey, I have discovered that studying abroad, in our increasingly interconnected world, offers invaluable benefits that can completely reshape an individual’s perspective.

Reflecting on my recent adventure in the Basque Country and throughout Europe, I firmly believe that everyone should seize the opportunity to embark on a solo study abroad adventure. Immersing oneself in local cultures and embracing the profound personal growth that ensues can be truly life-changing. This experience expands the horizons of our minds, fosters empathy, and facilitates self-discovery. Studying abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape ourselves in various ways throughout our lives.

First and foremost, venturing abroad inevitably expands the boundaries of our minds. The act of navigating an unfamiliar environment alone challenges us to think critically, adapt to new situations, and embrace diverse perspectives. That is why I strongly encourage individuals considering this opportunity to embark on it independently, without the support of their family or comfort group, at least for the initial few days. Doing so pushes us to undertake activities we wouldn’t otherwise attempt, fostering personal growth and self-reliance. Additionally, living and learning in a different cultural context broadens our horizons, encouraging us to break free from the confines of our comfort zones and develop a more global mindset. During my time in Spain, I had to quickly adapt to local transportation methods to maximize my travel experiences within my budget. Navigating different countries, languages, cuisines, and cultures on my own taught me invaluable lessons and instilled in me a sense of confidence to overcome any situation.

 

Furthermore, studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to deeply immerse oneself in the host culture. Unlike mere travel, studying abroad provides students with an excuse to adopt local schedules, interact with local students and staff, savor local cuisine at cafeterias, learn about local holidays, and engage in countless other aspects of everyday life. Along these lines, I highly recommend participating in a homestay whenever possible. Despite my initial hesitations, I found that immersing oneself in the local culture through homestays or close interactions with locals fosters a profound understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity. By directly engaging with people from different backgrounds, we develop a recognition of our shared humanity while celebrating our differences. This experience enhances our ability to empathize with others and promotes a more inclusive worldview. During my own adventure, I was hosted by a retired couple in the Basque Country. Their emphasis on hard work as a means to fully enjoy their free time revealed the cultural values of the Basque people. Sharing sacred meal times and taking serene walks through the pier each evening allowed me to experience their way of life firsthand.

Additionally, studying abroad offers an opportunity to educate oneself on issues that may otherwise remain unknown. It provides a chance to step outside our familiar educational systems and embrace alternative methods of learning. Whether attending lectures at a foreign university, participating in local workshops, or engaging in community projects, we gain exposure to new knowledge and perspectives. This unique learning environment stimulates curiosity and encourages us to approach education with an open mind. At the School for International Training, my experience involved fewer class discussions, more lectures, and numerous field trips and hands-on learning opportunities. We engaged in discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including politicians, museum owners, history enthusiasts, and even visited a refugee-run restaurant.

 

Living abroad also compels us to confront our assumptions, biases, and limitations. Removed from familiar support systems, we become more self-reliant, independent, and adaptable. Navigating the challenges of daily life in a foreign country develops resilience, self-confidence, and a deeper understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. Studying abroad becomes an introspective journey of self-discovery. Personally, studying abroad allowed me to reconnect with my Latino customs and beliefs that I had neglected upon moving to the United States. The Basque People reminded me of the importance of laying roots in your community, sitting down to enjoy a meal, rest, and even the importance of a good party without restrictions every now and then. It also prompted me to reflect on what defines me as an individual and who I aspire to be.

 

In conclusion, studying abroad, particularly when embracing the experience independently and immersing oneself in the local culture, is a transformative journey that everyone should undertake at least once in their lives. The benefits are immeasurable, expanding our intellectual horizons, fostering empathy, cultivating cross-cultural understanding, facilitating personal growth, and challenging our preconceived notions. By embracing the adventure of living abroad, we open ourselves to an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery, global citizenship, and a truly enriching educational experience. The Basque people, with their rich cultural heritage and deep sense of community, exemplify the importance of diverse cultural experiences. Immersing ourselves in such a culture offers a fresh perspective on our own societal values and traditions. Let us break free from the confines of the familiar and embark on this transformative journey that will forever shape our lives.