Angela Richard, Alumni Ambassador

1. How has your study abroad experience shaped you?
My abroad experiences have shaped me into the college student and young professional I am today in more ways than one. My study abroad experience in Granada was the best time of my life. For seven weeks, I was able to step way outside of my comfort zone in an environment that, although new, was one of the most inviting places I've ever been to. I felt at home in Granada, and this feeling I experienced from the beginning enabled me to have an immersive, enjoyable study abroad adventure. I was able to gain experience working abroad in the field I am passionate about, and I was also able to make lifelong connections that have blossomed into enriching friendships. When I virtually interned abroad with an organization in Seville, I not only adopted a global mindset and realized the inherent differences between the American workplace and the Spanish one, but I also realized exactly what I wanted out of a position centered around business practices. I gained valuable experience and developed my skills in intercultural communication, professionalism, time management, and leadership. My study abroad and intern abroad experiences were both wholly unique and different, but they have both shaped me into the person and professional I am today.

2. Why should a student go abroad?
Going to Granada presented itself with a bunch of opportunities, all thanks to CEA. At home in Vermont, I'm used to taking six classes and working three jobs on the side. I'm also used to intramural basketball games and field hockey games, as well as being a club leader and participating in group activities that I love. I was worried about not feeling busy while I was abroad, which may sound a bit odd. But, being busy is what I'm used to and what keeps me motivated, so I knew I had to find ways to feel fulfilled while in Granada. CEA met all of my expectations and more when I discovered all of the opportunities I could undertake while studying abroad. On top of my five classes, I volunteered at two elementary schools. At these schools, I helped the students foster their English language speaking, reading, and writing skills through a plethora of activities, such as creating games to remember vocabulary and practicing speaking in a comfortable setting. I also volunteered for an organization called T-Oigo, which helps young children with cochlear implants and hearing loss learn English. I was fortunate enough to work with a wonderful, bright 7-year-old girl, and her family treated me like one of their own after just one meeting. These volunteer opportunities wouldn't have been available to me had it not been for CEA's commitment to providing students with enriching, fulfilling experiences in their host city. I'm so glad I decided to take part in them!