Submitted by Amanda Flagg on the 2016 summer session program in Salamanca, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
I can’t believe this is really it. I, Amanda Marie Flagg, am finally studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. It almost feels surreal. This is something that I’ve wanted to do since I first took a tour of UD’s campus. Even now as a Blue Hen Ambassador (a tour guide myself), I praise UD’s Institute for Global Studies. Talking about how our students travel all across the globe during a winter or summer session or for semesters at a time, is different than experiencing it for oneself. Saying you’re going to do something and then actually executing it are two different things. I’m beyond proud of myself for following through with my dream of spending time abroad during my undergraduate career. Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Funding the program was a challenge. My parents had two rules. I could study abroad if I 1) paid for the trip myself and 2) took a self defense course. Since Freshman year, I’ve worked two jobs during the summer (three jobs this summer), and all throughout Delaware’s forever long winter break. It paid off (literally). I think that is another reason why I am so excited: I set out to do this, I worked at it, and I made it happen. I, Amanda, made it happen. On my own. Now that is not to say I didn’t have support, because I did. My parents and family members have supported me throughout the application process and the mental preparation of leaving the United States for an extended period of time. This is also a very big step out of my comfort zone. It’s different than volunteering in the Dominican Republic, because it lacks the social support of my close friends.
I am finally here and I’m caught up in a mix of excitement, enchantment and an overwhelming amount of emotions. There are a few specific things that I have noticed during the past few days. First, day-to-day life here is much slower than in the United States. Although Salamanca is a city, no one is rushing around anywhere. It is definitely refreshing and I feel a lot more relaxed. Even in regards to academics, I am not stressed. Usually I am the girl who likes to do everything. I balance UD academics, leadership roles on campus, research in the Infant Caregiver Project, being on the Powerlifting team and being a Blue Hen Ambassador. I speed walk around campus. Although the latter can be attributed to having longer legs, I find myself here walking very slowly and more importantly, looking up. I look up on my walk to school, on my walk, on my walks when I explore and I find myself in awe of beauty. In this day and age, it is so easy to be overcome with stress that you rush around and never take in what you are actually experiencing in the NOW.
Looking at something pleasing releases endorphins. Doing so, is another way to feel relaxed. This leads me to another difference that I noticed almost immediately. Spaniards are very protective of their pets and babies. I love dogs. I also, almost always pet a dog when I see one while I’m home. I’m sure when you’re walking around and you see a cute dog or baby, you can find yourself smiling at it. Doing so, is also another way to feel relaxed. Again, almost always, the owner/mother/dad/caregiver smiles back in appreciation. Here, the owner/mom/dad/caregiver doesn’t even look at you. If they do look, they do not even crack a smile. With dogs, they bring the leash in closer. I don’t necessarily think it is because they are rude, but it is definitely a cultural difference. Also, almost every person I’ve come across in the streets has a dog. That is different than some of the other cities that I’ve been in. In NYC, I think it is about 50/50 and in London, there are not too many dogs out and about.
Another way to relax in Spain is by partaking in siesta time. Everyday between 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, all of the academic buildings and stores close for “siesta.” This time is used specifically to relax at home with your family. It is also used to take a nap or to do an enjoyable activity at home such as watching your favorite TV show or reading leisurely. I go home after class, eat lunch with my host family and then spend 30 minutes with them watching “Cambiarme.” It is similar to a “How Do I Look?”or transformation TV show in the United States.
Being more relaxed here led me to spend some time narrowing down what I do in my day-to-day life that makes me so stressed out. What exactly do I do different? Where can I change my actions to feel this way at home, too? Spending time lifting at the gym helps alleviate most of my stress and anxiousness, but I just feel a sense of calm here that I haven’t felt since I’ve done mission work in the Dominican Republic. If this is just a quick glimpse of how my time here will be, I cannot wait to see what else I can learn and feel here and how I can leave my own mark on Salamanca just like the century-old inscriptions on the buildings here.