Reflections on a Semester in Spain

Rachel Slager ’16 of Westchester, Illinois, always knew that she wanted to study abroad. By her junior year, things fell into place and Slager made a decision that affected her entire college career. She left for Seville, Spain for the fall semester.

“I am so thankful I even have the chance to study abroad,” Slager wrote in her blog. “I know I will come back a changed person, and I’m really excited to see what that means for me.”

Now back from Spain and on Trinity’s campus for the spring semester, Slager has had time to reflect on Trinity’s Semester in Spain program and the people she met.

Slager recounted three things from her time in Spain that provided structure and depth to her stay: Encuentro, her Flamenco dance class, and her Intercambio.

Encuentro, which Slager described as a mix between Outcry–Trinity’s student-led worship–and chapel, added stability to her weeks in Spain. She found comfort in the English songs and messages, though she noted that singing in Spanish was more fun.

Slager also loved her Flamenco dance class, learning a special style only taught in Seville. As it was one of her favorite activities, Slager looked forward to the weekly lesson.

Perhaps Slager’s favorite part of studying in Spain was her Intercambio. She defined an Intercambio as a Spanish speaker who is going through the process of learning English. Slager felt a special connection to her Intercambio, Lola, who even attended Slager’s final Flamenco dance performance.

“It was comforting to have someone who was going through the same thing but on the opposite side,” Slager said. “If I had questions, I could ask her.”

Spiritually, Slager’s time abroad has helped her to see life in a new way.

“A lot of it was learning to let go of control, and going into a new country, everything was different and I really didn’t know where I was or what was going on,” Slager said.

Slager said that she came back changed. She said her glimpse into the complex richness of other cultures has given her a broader perspective of the world.

“Study abroad is something I would recommend to anyone and everyone,” she said.

Slager, who claimed partiality to Spain, said that no matter where a student might choose to adventure, it would be well worth it.

“There’s so much growth that happens when you’re exposed to a new country and a new culture that can’t be taught in a classroom. It can only be taught by living it,” Slager said.