Spain – Page 15 – DU Abroad

Introducing Romina Dadkhah

Published on July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 by DU AbroadLeave a comment

The solo shot photo of me is the time when my friends and I went back-country camping in the Sand Dunes. It was one of my best college experiences!

What is/are your major(s)?

Marketing

What is/are your minor(s)?

Business Legal Studies and Film

What is the name of your study abroad program?

ISA: Universidad Pablo de Olavide: Hispanic Studies, Business & Spanish Language

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Seville, Spain

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I would like the blog readers to know that I am a first-generation American, and I can speak Farsi fluently. I would also like for readers to know that I am a Colorado native, and I have lived in Colorado my whole life.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

One thing that I am most anticipating about my study abroad experience are the excursion trips my program offers, specifically the Morocco trip. I cannot wait to tap into my Middle Eastern heritage by camping in Morocco and exploring old mosques in Seville. Seville is a city with a rich history that dates back to the Romans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Going on excursion trips to learn about Sevilla’s history and visiting old historical sites will be extremely unique and exciting!

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I decided to study abroad, because I have never been to Europe or traveled by myself internationally. Both my parents are Iranian immigrants, and I have been to Iran a few times throughout my childhood. However, I have never gotten the opportunity to go elsewhere. My mom passed away when I was 14 and her passing increased financial pressure on my family. The DU Partner Program has made the study abroad experience financially affordable and has given me the opportunity to travel to places I have always wanted to go. I have seen so many of my friends travel abroad, and I talked to professors who have shared their study abroad experiences with me. Their stories and wonderful experiences inspired me to invest in the study abroad experience. One day, I hope to share my stories and experiences with other people.

Romina’s Blog Posts

The second photo is an overlook shot of Acadia, Maine. This was my first time being in the East Coast, and we were standing on the edge of the national park, looking out to the Atlantic Ocean. It felt like I was in the Caribbean, even though I have never been there before 🙂

Introducing Gwen Morgan

Published on July 8, 2024 by DU AbroadLeave a comment

Photo of myself in Mexico!

What is/are your major(s)?

Criminology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Business Administration

What is the name of your study abroad program?

ISA: Universidad de Deusto: Computer Science, Engineering, Business & Spanish Language

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Bilbao, Spain

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I’d love for blog readers to know that I am bilingual! I am half-Mexican, but extremely white presenting. It is something I’ve struggled with for a while, but I also recognize what a privilege it is to be able to speak a second language so easily, without experiencing as much racial discrimination as other members of my family have faced. I am looking forward to getting to speak Spanish with the locals, and re-connect with a culture so similar to my own.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

One of the many things I am most anticipating about my study abroad experience is immersion. I am a native Spanish speaker, however I speak Mexican Spanish. I was lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad in Spain before, and it was a bit of a culture shock realizing there are different variations of Spanish. I never realized how much of a difference there could be, especially with certain slang words. I am also anticipating developing a new way of thinking and a new method of experiencing life. I want to make the most out of my study abroad experience, and I am determined to try new things I never would in the states. I anticipate plenty of new experiences, new people, new cultures, and most importantly, new delicious foods!

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I decided to study abroad because I was lucky enough to have the experience when I was 16 and in high-school, and now I am getting the privilege to return to Spain with a new outlook on life and new experiences under my belt. I have always had a passion for travel, for new people and new places. I cannot wait to come into the Spanish culture once more and really take things in from a more mature perspective. I was also inspired by the possibility of being able to share my experiences with younger DU students when I got home. I want to be able to reflect positively back on my time abroad, whilst mentally preparing and informing future “global citizens” in the process.

Gwen’s Blog Posts