Sam Matzek, Spanish/Computer science major

I will never forget my study abroad experience. It altered my personality along with my outlook on life and the world. I studied at the Center for Cross-Cultural Study in Seville, Spain. I have nothing but praise for the Center. My writing ability greatly improved, and because of the cultural immersion and the Center's curriculum my speaking ability improved about 10 fold. Through a study abroad experience, besides experiencing a new culture you learn a great deal about yourself. When you travel YOU are responsible for finding a place to sleep each night, buying bus or train tickets, and making sure you have enough cash on hand.

Throughout my semester in Seville I lived in an apartment with a Spanish woman and an American roommate. All meals were provided, and she even did our laundry. While I am perfectly able to do my own laundry, it was nice to have it done because it freed that time to experience the foreign culture rather than experience doing laundry in a foreign country.

The curriculum of the Center covers all areas from intermediate Spanish, through advanced grammar and composition, as well as upper division culture and literature courses. All courses are taught by native Spanish professors and are taught completely in Spanish.