Casey SantosParticipated in 2016Study Abroad | Spain

Casey Santos is a senior Strategic Communication major with minors in Business and Spanish. As an undergraduate, he studied abroad three times. Studying abroad has really been one of the most beneficial and enjoyable parts of his time at Temple University. Casey’s study abroad experiences were completely different in the places he went and the subjects he studied. He has gained knowledge in history, language, and internship skills that he is excited to apply to his professional life.

What inspired you to go abroad?

Since looking at colleges, I've always wanted to study abroad. Having studied Spanish, Spain just seemed like the natural choice for me. Learning about all of Temple's program options showed me that there are so many opportunities to study abroad, which sparked my interest in searching for the perfect program. After starting college, I realized that I couldn't let the opportunity to study abroad slip away, so I made it a point to plan my schedule around spending a semester abroad.

Why did you choose Temple’s Oviedo Program?

Being a Temple student, studying on a Temple program made the process so seamless. I knew I wanted to study in Spain, but I wanted an experience that would really require me to develop my Spanish skills. I was really intrigued by Temple's Oviedo program because it would allow me to study abroad outside of a large city, while still allowing me to interact with other American students having the same experience. Combined with the academics, this made Temple's Oviedo program the perfect choice.

What was your favorite part about Oviedo?

The best part about being in Oviedo was that it was the perfect place to learn Spanish. Being outside of the major cities, many of the local people did not speak English, which made speaking Spanish a necessity. Because of this, my Spanish skills developed so much faster than they would have in a city like Madrid or Barcelona. Oviedo was also small enough that it really started to feel like home. I became so comfortable and familiar with the city that it was extremely difficult to leave.

What made your experience abroad unique?

My experience was unique because of how truly immersive it was. The homestay experience, the nature of the city, and the structure of my courses were all factors that made my experience unlike most other study abroad programs. We were taught by native Spanish-speaking professors at the university, which gave me a classroom experience completely different from any I had ever had before. Classes were conducted completely in Spanish which, with the other aspects of the program, made the experience very unique.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Jaime Duran, the program director, was extremely helpful whenever we needed him throughout the semester. Being from Oviedo, Jaime was able to share so much knowledge of Spanish culture and life in Oviedo. If we ever had an issue, he was extremely approachable and quick to help us however he could.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I would have made more of an effort to spend more time with my host family. While I feel like I got really close with them and was able to develop my language skills a lot, I think I could have learned so much more by making it a point to ask them more questions and spending more time with them. If you ever have the opportunity to stay with a host family, make sure that you make the most of your experience. The time will go faster than you think!

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

My classes would typically start around 9 a.m. at La Casa de las Lenguas, University of Oviedo's center for languages. I'd usually have four classes a day with an hour long break in the middle of the day. During my hour off, I'd usually meet up with other students at the campus cafeteria for a coffee and sandwich. Classes would usually end around 2 p.m., when I'd go back home for lunch and a bit of rest. Each night, I'd usually meet up with some friends in a different part of the city to chat, do homework, and eat tapas. I usually would eat dinner around 9:30 p.m. and spend the rest of the night watching television with my host family.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I made it a point to explore the city and visit places I had never been before. When I wasn't at home with my host family, I spent a lot of time trying new restaurants with my friends in the program, who came from all around the world to study in Oviedo. While Oviedo is a smaller city, there really is so much to do and explore.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

All program participants were required to stay in a homestay. My homestay family was so welcoming and made my experience so comfortable. My host mom cooked me three meals a day, which allowed me to really experience authentic Spanish cuisine and feel like a part of the family. While the whole homestay experience was incredible, the best part was that it was so beneficial in allowing me to learn Spanish. My host family did not speak English, so they were able to help me to build on my language skills, which I saw increase tenfold over the course of my semester.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

It's okay to be nervous! Upon arriving in Oviedo, I was really intimidated by the idea of staying with a host family and felt as if I could barely speak a sentence in Spanish. It wasn't until about a week into the program that I finally started to feel more confident in my Spanish skills and more comfortable living with a family that wasn't my own. Just know that it's normal to feel this way and everyone reacts to it differently. You'll eventually be able to break out of your shell and your Spanish skills are probably much better than you give yourself credit for.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Studying in Spain has completely changed my outlook on my education and what I want to pursue. While abroad, I have become more aware of my identity as an American and have become more interested in exposing myself to other cultures to learn more about the way of life in other parts of the world. Since my semester in Spain, I have traveled to many other places and have even studied abroad again! It's even encouraged me to look into living and working abroad after graduation.

Would you recommend Temple’s Oviedo Program to others? Why?

Absolutely! Studying in Oviedo was hands-down my best semester of college. I learned so much about myself and made friends that will last for a lifetime. I think studying abroad is something that everyone should do during their time in college and if Spanish is something that interests you, Temple's Oviedo program may be the perfect choice!