Lynsey Mendenhall is an ISA Sevilla alumna and current ISA/TEAN Global Ambassador at the University of Tulsa. In the following blog, Lynsey shares her insights following the experience of studying in a country where she wasn’t initially comfortable in her language abilities.
Studying abroad is often seen as an opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic enrichment. However, my decision to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain during the spring of 2023 came with a unique twist; I had only taken a few Spanish courses in high school and college, leaving me at a beginner’s level in the language. This meant that I would have to navigate the streets of Sevilla, communicate with locals, and attend classes, all while facing a language barrier. In this blog post, I will share my experiences, challenges, and the transformation that unfolded as I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain.
As my plane touched down in Sevilla, I had excitement mixed with extreme anxiety. I was eager to start this adventure, but I also realized that I could barely form a sentence in Spanish. Sevilla, being the third largest city in Spain, does not have as many English speakers as larger cities. Although there is a large amount of tourism, it can be difficult to find locals who also speak English. Also, the idea of living with a host family and having to talk with them in Spanish every day seemed like a huge challenge. However, as the days unfolded, I discovered that challenges often lead to personal growth.
One of the first challenges I faced was living with a host family who spoke no English. This meant that daily interactions, from discussing meal preferences to sharing stories, had to be done only in Spanish. Initially, I stuttered through conversations, feeling self-conscious about my limited vocabulary and grammar errors. However, my host family was patient and understanding, which provided me with the perfect environment to learn and improve. Not to mention, the meals were amazing too.
Sevilla’s busy streets and vibrant cultural events became my classroom. I quickly realized that navigating the city required me to step out of my comfort zone and communicate with locals in Spanish. Ordering food at local restaurants, asking for directions, and even buying groceries became opportunities to practice my Spanish. One time, I spent an entire day roaming the city just to find a permanent marker for a class project. During the Feria De Abril, a large fair during April, I was able to communicate and network with locals to make new friends and learn more about the culture. Although it was often challenging, these experiences pushed me to embrace the language and culture more deeply.
While living in a Spanish-speaking environment was an amazing learning opportunity, my academic life created another set of challenges. Although most of my classes were in English at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, I was learning about countries and cultures I never learned about in the United States. In my Intermediate Spanish class, my coursework was entirely in Spanish, and understanding lectures and assignments required extra effort. I found myself dedicating long hours to reading, translating, and seeking help from my professors. I also joined a Spanish conversation group at my school to get extra practice. It was a humbling experience, but it also showed me the importance of using available resources to my advantage.
One of the biggest challenges I encountered was overcoming my insecurities. There were moments when I felt embarrassed about my language limitations, but I soon realized that making mistakes was an important part of the learning process. I learned to embrace my errors as opportunities for growth, rather than as reasons to feel self-conscious. Although others maybe saw me as a stereotypical American tourist, I did everything I could to defy those stereotypes and immerse myself into the Spanish culture. I attended cultural events such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril (April Fair) to fully experience what Sevilla had to offer. This new perspective boosted my confidence, encouraged me to take risks, and communicate more with those around me.
As the months passed, I not only improved my Spanish but also gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people in the United States who have a different first language than English. Growing up in Oklahoma, we have a large Hispanic population, many of whom do not speak English. My experiences in Sevilla made me more empathetic to the struggles they face while learning and adapting to a new language and cultural environment. This was one of the most valuable lessons I took away from my time abroad.
Studying abroad without knowing the national language was undoubtedly challenging, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I left Sevilla in May 2023 with a newfound proficiency in Spanish, unforgettable memories, and a greater sense of empathy for those navigating language and cultural barriers. This journey not only forced me to step out of my comfort zone, but also helped me become a more compassionate and understanding person.
Curious to hear more from ISA/TEAN alumni? Read more blogs from Spain alumni or explore other posts about language immersion.
Inspired by Lynsey’s language learning adventures and want to explore on your own while immersing yourself in a study abroad program? Fill out your details below to let our team know and we’ll help you find your adventure today!
