Written by: Nicky Vega Ayala, Cisneros Class of 2028
What was your motivation for studying abroad?
It was important for me to study abroad as an IA major and participate in the cultural exchanges I’d read about as an underclassman. Since coming to Sevilla, Spain, I’ve adjusted my sleep schedule, eating habits, and language to integrate into a new space. It’s been difficult at times, but I wanted to study abroad to gain a broader perspective on lifestyle, leisure, and socializing that I can bring into my studies and professional life. I also wanted to see cool things and travel around Europe!
What was the most surprising thing you did or saw? Did you cross anything off your bucket list?
When I touched down in Sevilla, it quickly became clear to me that one of the most important decisions I’d have to make here is to support Sevilla FC or Real Betis, Sevilla’s two football teams. I learned that people – especially teachers – will ask which I support and will react accordingly. During my second week, I walked into Lagoh Mall, where the Sevilla and Betis stores are separated by 3 stores, and purchased a black Sevilla FC jersey with ombre orange and purple details days before I sat in the first row at a La Liga game against Valencia CF, which Sevilla won!
What was the hardest adjustment you had to make?
One of the hardest adjustments was realizing I’m a foreigner and learning to navigate this new identity. It’s an identity that exposes itself in everyday tasks I no longer know how to do, like using a washer-dryer that never seems to dry clothes completely, finding salt in a new grocery store (in the pasta aisle, not in the spices or seasoning packets sections), and being asked “do you want a cookie?” in English after ordering ice cream in Spanish – my home language. Learning how to navigate this new identity has taught me to welcome discomfort and that it doesn’t last forever. It’s also made me reflect on the times my parents have been treated like foreigners in the US over the years. Adjusting to being a foreigner as a student has given me a greater appreciation for their endurance, and moved me to find nuggets of home in a few Paraguayan restaurants.
How would you describe study abroad in five words?
My world is broadening.
What advice would you give to other students/Cisneros Scholars thinking about studying abroad?
Coming into university, I wanted to study abroad, but thought it wasn’t in the cards for me due to the cost, course transfers, and paperwork. I reached out to upperclassmen who studied abroad, my family, and the Institute to get a real sense of how I could spend a semester abroad. If you’re unsure if studying abroad is attainable, I suggest examining what you hope to get out of it – for me, it was important to study in a Spanish-speaking country – and asking fellow students, family, and staff for advice. Having difficult conversations about expenses, visas, conversion rates, etc. early on has given me peace of mind that I can achieve my semester-abroad goals, like traveling to other countries.
Nicky Vega Ayala is a third-year Cisneros Scholar majoring in International Affairs. Nicky’s views are her own and not necessarily reflective of the Cisneros Institute.