Eastern Student Krista Petersen of Wallingford Studies Abroad in Spain

2017 Oct 26

Eastern Connecticut State University offers various study abroad locations for students to choose from.

This past summer, Krista Petersen '18 of Wallingford traveled to Barcelona, Spain, and attended Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), or the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Petersen's major is Elementary Education and Spanish.

As part of her study abroad experience, she took two classes -- Spanish Civilization and Culture and Spanish Language. She also engaged in an enriching experience in terms of Spanish culture, which contrasts that of the United States in a number of ways, particularly in regards to food, sports and conversation.

"The food in Spain is overall a lot healthier than the food in the U.S. Lunch is typically eaten around 3:00 in the afternoon, while dinner is typically eaten around 10:00 at night," she explained.

She also pointed out that soccer is wildly popular there, and nobody ever seems to be in a rush. "They tend to enjoy taking their time wherever they go."

Petersen stressed the importance of studying abroad. Not only does it encourage stepping out of one's comfort zone, but it provides insight that helps in terms of respecting unfamiliar cultures and in turn, the people who encompass them. "Experiencing other cultures first-hand is the best way to learn more about them," said Petersen.