Victoria Tobias

Overall Experience

Studying abroad was an amazing experience! The culture was so incredibly different from what I was accustomed to and I learned so much! Everything in Spain was within walking distance, and there was so much to see that a 45-minute walk feels like nothing. It was very common for me to just be walking to pick up groceries and then stumble upon a palace or a 500-year-old church. Also, the food in Spain was amazing. Everything is made with such pride and high-quality ingredients it's nearly impossible to have a bad meal.

Learning experience

This experience has taught me that I can rely on myself, even in unfamiliar situations. Most of the time in Spain, I was alone in exploring the sights. In one particular instance I wanted to travel outside Valencia to a city a seven-hour bus ride away. I did not have anyone willing to come with me, and so I was hesitant to even consider going. But I decided to be brave and not restrict myself from opportunities due to fear. I went and had an unforgettable time. This experience taught me that I am stronger than I think and that I can't allow fear to dictate my decisions.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience for me was in the gardens of the Alhambra. I have never been one who really saw the beauty in flowers. I think it is so overused in fashion, at some point, I just considered flowers to be tacky in a sense. But those gardens contained the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. It made me see flowers in a whole new perspective.

What did you not expect?

Something that surprised me is how patient people could be. There were a couple of times that my Spanish failed me and I would stumble over my words. But everyone that was caught in this situation was kind, and allowed me the time to formulate my sentences. I greatly appreciated their patience as I spoke a language that was not my mother tongue. I would love to also learn that skill set for my future career, so people feel comfortable making mistakes in my presence but also feeling as if they have the time to fix those mistakes.

What advice would you give?

My advice is to do everything. Being away from home can be scary, but don't allow that fear to leave you stuck in your house. Even just walking home can turn into an experience you remember for the rest of your life. Take advantage of this opportunity and explore.

How has this experience impacted your life?

One of the goals I had set for my self and my career before this trip was to become proficient is Spanish. In order to assist a Spanish-speaking community to the best of my ability, it is essential I know enough Spanish to communicate clearly with my future physical patients. The use of another language also gives you the opportunity to learn about different perspectives which is essential to continuous learning The study abroad program in Valencia gave me the opportunity to practice Spanish outside of the classroom and learn to speak in different situations with different people. I can say with certainty that my Spanish speaking skills have improved after this opportunity.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this opportunity through my Spanish minor.

International Connections