Hello! My name is Mandi, and I’ve completed two years here at Western Michigan University. I’m studying Spanish and secondary education, with a minor in math, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at WMU so far. For my third year in college, though, I won’t be at Western. Instead, I’ll be experiencing something unlike anything I’ve ever done before: study abroad.
My departure date is a little over a month away, and I can’t wait! I leave on August 8th for four months in Burgos, Spain. While I’m there, I’ll be taking classes at the University of Burgos, living with a Spanish family, working on my language skills, and exploring as much of the country as I can. Since I’ve lived in the Kalamazoo area my whole life, this is definitely a new adventure for me. I’ll be on the other side of the world, far away from most of the people and places I’m familiar with. When I think about this new undertaking I get very excited! At the same time, though, part of me wonders what in the world I’m doing. I’m really thankful that about 18 other WMU students will be with me in Spain. It will be nice to have a few people I know well there with me, especially on those days when I start to feel homesick. For now, though, I need to focus on the rest of my time here in the United States. Over the next few weeks I’ll be hanging out with family and friends, working on travel plans, and trying to fit my entire life into one 50 pound suitcase. ¡Qué divertido!
I’ll keep you updated with future experiences as the date gets closer! Look forward to hearing some awesome stories from Spain!
Hasta luego,
Mandi
