Submitted by Jenna Horbatuk on the 2019 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
I am leaving to go back to the States tomorrow. People told me before going on this program that the time would fly by, but I did not realize how fast it went until sitting here now writing this reflection. It is crazy how I will be getting on a return flight in less than 12 hours. There are a lot of reasons why I am grateful for this study abroad experience. I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to immerse myself in southern Spain’s culture and improve my Spanish speaking skills. I got to intern in a residency here in Granada and learn how to complete patient assessments and talk to some elderly people about what their life has been like in Spain. It was special to get to participate in the Healthcare Internship because it was the first time the course was being offered here in Granada. I was fortunate to be a part of it and gained some valuable insight about the healthcare system in Spain and what it is like to complete evaluations of the geriatric population. I have made great friends and built good professional relationships with my professors and the faculty directors. I got to know my host mother and practice speaking Spanish with her. I was able to see many different places and learned a lot in such a short span of time. My favorite trip was going to the beach called Nerja with friends this past week. It was beautiful and something I have never seen before because I do not travel often. The view of the beach was incredible and even though it was almost 90 degrees that day, it was fun and we got to walk through the streets and see the town overlooking the ocean. I am going to miss Granada; for its food, culture, people, and scenery. I know I want to come back in the future and hopefully get to relive all the amazing memories I have made here. I want to personally thank IGS for the scholarship and my University of Delaware professors (especially Dr. Jorge Cubillos) for encouraging me to apply to this program. ¡Fue una experiencia inolvidable! (It was an unforgettable experience!)