My experience studying abroad, as cliche as it sounds, changed my life. As someone who has never left the country, I was able to not only experience the language and culture of Valencia, but the rest of Spain and other countries while I was abroad. The experience through Michigan State as well as the support of the Forest Akers Endowed Scholarship made it possible for me.

I was immersed in the language and way of life of Spaniards, and while I obviously learned a lot of Spanish, it helped broaden my perspective of my majors as well. I observed Public Policy in action, and learned a lot that I can bring forward into my next roles. I discussed politics with my host parents and in my classes, and it helped contextualize American politics for me even more. By gaining this unique perspective of how government and policy function in Spain, I have a better idea of how to implement effective policy back home, and what could be done differently.

I was especially impressed with the healthy Spanish lifestyle, from the cooking (provided by my incredible host dad) to the modes of transportation, to the workday schedule, everything is designed to function for the individual and keep people healthy.

My experience in Spain allowed me to form lifelong connections with my host family, professors, and other classmates. I am extremely grateful for my housing situation, which connected me to two amazing housemates from Michigan State and the most incredible and generous host parents. They not only cooked gourmet meals for us daily and shared their recipes, but they also ensured that we were well cared for on every level. They helped us improve our Spanish with our sobremesas every evening and encouraged us to speak only Spanish in the house. They patiently answered questions we had about language, culture, and anything else we experienced while abroad. They truly made the experience unforgettable, and I hope I will be able to visit them soon.

My education abroad experience opened my eyes to what I never thought was possible. As someone who comes from a working-class background with no travel experience abroad, I was empowered to travel to more countries in a week abroad than I had been to in my whole life. I was able to travel around Spain on the weekends while I took classes during the week which explored the very regional differences between autonomous regions of Spain which I saw with my own eyes. I learned how to better communicate with others, and experienced much patience from my professors and host family who aided me on my journey.

When I finished the program in Valencia, I completed my minor in Spanish, and I graduated from Michigan State. My study abroad experience was the best way to complete my education at MSU, and I will head to the University of Michigan in the fall to pursue an MSW. I carry with me the connections I created, a greater cultural awareness, and a better understanding of myself and the world into my next chapter.

Name: Sadie Mrakuzic
Status: Senior
Major: Public Policy
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Program: Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture in Valencia