Interview of the Month

Student Studying for 8 Weeks in San Sebastian, Spain

Why did you decide to study abroad? Why did you choose to do it here?
From the very beginning of my studies I was sure about doing one semester abroad. It’s such a great chance to force yourself into open up your mind due to a totally different way of culture and life. So studying abroad is a great chance to combine this life long lasting experience with gaining university credits.

What did you know about Spain before coming?
I knew about its incredible richness of culture and arts but still I was surprised about the diversity! It’s kind of unbelievable due to its size compared to the States.

What were your thoughts before coming? Were you concerned about anything?
Of course I was worried about the language thing as anybody does before going abroad. There are so many questions in your head anyway – will you meet nice people to hang around with, will you be able to handle all the new and exciting situations you will be threwed into, will you like the place where you’re staying. Above all that thrill of anticipation there’s a huge uncertainty about everything!

What was the first thing that caught your attention?  
In San Sebastian you just can’t get around without enjoying that relaxed surfing culture lifestyle. I think this is kind of a special thing in whole Europe or even in the world. There are few places where you can combine being in the middle of a really vibrant city and hang around at the beach with the most impressive waves of the Atlantic Sea. I guess if you are a surfer that’s kind of the place to be in Europe!

How did you overcome the cultural shock? What was the most difficult thing for you to get used to?
First of all I have to say that this phenomenon really exists! I didn’t expect that to be honest but it seems to be part of the game. There was not that one big thing to overcome, I guess it’s just the foreign language what makes everything a bit harder at the beginning. But as you learn it that fast while living in a Spanish speaking surrounding, it’s nothing really to worry about.

Have you gone out? What do you think about the nightlife here?
Of course I went out! There’s that little bar next to the beach where you’re dancing on the sand that the surfers brought in because they’re heading in kind of directly out of the water! Unfortunately I don’t remember the name. And there’s a lot more to discover – as San Sebastian is such a lively city, you will find places to party in every corner.

Would you recommend this trip?
The only way to answer this question is a big YES!

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