Growing up, I have listened to my mother talk about her experience studying abroad in Italy while she was in college. I always thought this was the coolest thing; to be able to spend a semester of my education in a new place and experience a whole new culture and lifestyle, while still working down my educational path. My choice to study abroad led me to spending a semester in the beautiful city of Valencia, Spain through the University of Virginia in Valencia program.

Through this program, I was fortunate to live with a host family. Leading up to my departure, I was nervous about the reality and ease of communicating with my host family in Spanish. After arriving and a little adjustment to the consistent Spanish-speaking environment, I was able to communicate more clearly and develop a relationship with my family.

Additionally, I had minimal knowledge about the city of Valencia. I was quick to realize the beauty of this remarkable city. Whether it be spending an afternoon in the Rio (dried river that has been turned into a beautiful park), trying new restaurants, or spending a day at the beach, there was never a shortage of activities to do.

One of the coolest things about Valencia is their main festival, Fallas. The locals talk about it all year long, and I was fortunate enough to experience it in March. It is a week-long celebration with lots of fireworks, food, dancing, and burning gigantic paper mâché sculptures set up around the city. It sounds bizarre from afar, but living through it was astounding. The energy in the city was so upbeat and exciting; it was one of my favorite surprises from this semester.

I also fell further in love with traveling during my time in Europe. The ease and affordability of the trains, buses, and planes across the pond allowed me to travel often and expose myself to several new places.

The personal growth I have experienced because of my time in Europe has been remarkable. I came abroad alone, knowing I would have to put myself out there to make connections with those around me. I was fortunate enough to make some of my best friends through this program, and am so incredibly grateful Michigan State assisted me in making this dream come true.

Name: James Rolewicz
Status: Junior
Major: Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Rockford, Michigan
Program: MSU-UVA in Valencia, Spain