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Mattie Ryan

About My Study Abroad Program

Major/Minor: Psychology/ Spanish for the Professions 
Program: International Studies Abroad (ISA), Universidad Católica de Valencia 
Location: Valencia, Spain 
Email: mattie03@ad.unc.edu
Term: Spring 2024 

 

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because of the opportunity for growth. I wanted to grow my Spanish speaking abilities and attain a greater level of fluency, push myself out of my comfort zone to meet new people and create meaningful connections, immerse myself in a completely new culture to the best of my ability, and take advantage of travel opportunities. I selected my program because of its location and "amenities." I always knew that I wanted to study in Spain if I chose to go abroad, and I chose Valencia because of its reputation as a safer big city, but also tight knit coastal community. The program I chose (ISA) offered the chance to live with a host family, and a friend of mine had done the program two years prior and gave nothing but glowing reviews about her experience. The program at UCV also offered student internships as a part of their course catalog, and I was able to take classes at the university while also teaching English at a primary school they partnered with down the street. As someone who is more likely to stay within my comfort zone if the opportunity presents itself, I would not have had even remotely the same experience if I had lived in an apartment with friends I knew from school.

 

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I have the capacity to take initiative and do the things that I want to do-- without needing support or permission from other people. I have had many work and academic experiences where I have assumed various leadership roles, or relied on myself to make decisions, but there was usually a group of friends or team of peers that I could fall back on for help and guidance. I am also a middle child, so I always had the example set by my older brother to structure my own journey growing up. Choosing to study abroad, especially through a student initiated program, forced me to rely only on myself and essentially pave my own way through a new experience. While it is also extremely valuable to be able to rely on others and ask for help when needed, this was an opportunity to prove to myself that I could live independently and successfully in a completely new environment. I also learned that I can be flexible and resilient in unforeseeable situations. Whether it was a travel day gone wrong or a communication difference with peers, I learned that I have a knack for positive redirection. 

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
An experience that I reflect on almost every day is the time I spent teaching English through a partnership with my university. Even though I don't currently have plans to pursue a teaching profession, I gained so much more than career experience from interning there. I learned and used more Spanish from teaching than I have in any classroom setting, I was exposed to cultural and religious customs and celebrations that Spanish children grow up with, and I met the kindest and most welcoming group of teachers and faculty that I still keep in touch with regularly. One of my biggest takeaways from my program was how willing and excited each person was to meet you and help you reach your goals. A fellow teacher (but permanent resident) once cleared her afternoon schedule to take us on a picnic at the local park nearby. She cooked a traditional Spanish lunch for each of us, and welcomed us into her home where we were introduced to her siblings and grandparents. Another member of the staff was quick to recommend me for a research position with their cousin when I mentioned an interest in the Psychology department, and it was obvious how much they genuinely cared about my passions and wanted me to succeed. I could speak about countless other experiences just like these that defined my time abroad, and I only have amazing things to say about my program in Valencia. 

 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
My main advice is to embrace uncertainty from the start. Having this mindset will help you feel more prepared for the inevitable moments where you can't anticipate everything. The best approach is to keep an open mind and accept that most things aren't going to go perfectly as planned. Some of my favorite memories from abroad are definitely the result of "happy accidents."

 

How do you identify?
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Memories