Living in Spain this semester has been the best experience of my entire life. I have learned and grown in ways I never experienced or thought I would! Reading past testimonials, I figured past students were being cheesy or dramatic when they would describe their abroad experience but truly it is a dream! I've extended my Spanish knowledge, navigation abilities, comfort zones, and travel confidence. I have met people from all over the world and have had the pleasure of living with an amazing family who have hosted and taken care of me this semester.

One of my favorite aspects of doing this program was the honor and pleasure to learn from a speech therapist here in Valencia via a service-learning internship. Three days a week for about an hour, I would go to the speech office to learn and practice my speech therapy abilities, in Spanish! Under the care of the lovely speech therapist there. Career wise, it was one of the coolest experiences of my education career. To learn from her and get involved with the community in that way was absolutely priceless and I learned more from her than any of my classes in Spain, I am so thankful I had that opportunity.

My host family and friends also made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the joy of living with 3 younger sisters and 2 very kind parents who made me feel right at home (especially since I have 2 sisters at home). I learned about their lifestyles and how they interact with family and friends. How important education is to them and their families. I will take home many lessons from my family, and it was an absolute pleasure to live in tandem with them.

Valencia is a wonderful city full of gardens, beaches, kind people, old streets, and of course delicious oranges. I am overjoyed at my experience, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Name: Ellyn Skodack
Status: Junior
Majors: Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Spanish
Hometown: Grand Haven, Michigan
Program: MSU-UVA in Valencia, Spain