LINK Scholars Take Their Learning Abroad
For LINK Scholars Morgan and Addison, this summer brought an opportunity to take learning far beyond the classroom…. and beyond Chicago.
Through AFS, both Scholars traveled to Spain for a study abroad experience they first learned about through LINK. After attending informational meetings shared by LINK, they decided to pursue
the opportunity and soon found themselves preparing for an international adventure.
Once in Spain, the experience gave them an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, practice their Spanish, meet new people, and discover some of the small differences that make everyday life abroad unique.
Morgan quickly noticed that life in Spain moved on a different schedule. “Dinner time in Spain is late because the sun goes down around 9:30, and Spaniards shorten some of their words.”
Addison also discovered differences between the Spanish she had learned in school and the language she heard around her every day. “The dialect in Spain is slightly different from the Latin American Spanish I learned in school. For example, I learned ‘jugo’ for juice, while in Spain they say ‘zumo.’”
Traveling abroad also challenged both Scholars to try things they may not have done at home. For Morgan, that included unexpected hikes that ultimately became some of her favorite memories. “We went on hikes, and it was unexpected, but the views were so beautiful.”
For Addison, growth showed up in the everyday moments. She became more comfortable using Spanish while ordering at restaurants and even stepped onto the dance floor to learn new line dances at parties. “I noticed that I was more confident in my Spanish-speaking skills when ordering in restaurants.”
One experience Addison says she will remember for years happened while watching the World Cup with friends in their dorm. “We watched the World Cup in the basement of the dorms and ran outside to celebrate with the locals. The city was so excited, and everyone was full of joy and Spanish pride. I even got a picture with someone dressed as Spider-Man!”
Beyond sightseeing and language practice, both Scholars came home thinking differently about what is possible for them. Morgan’s advice to other Scholars considering an enrichment or travel opportunity is simple: “Have an open mind, bring real gym shoes, and be ready to meet new people because they will become lifetime friends!”
Addison echoed that message, “Go for it! This experience was truly a blessing and one of the best summers ever. I met so many amazing people and saw some of the most beautiful places. Go in with an open mind and your experience will be amazing.”
When asked how traveling abroad changed the way they see the world, both Scholars came back to one word: opportunity. “After traveling to Spain, I now see the world as a place of opportunity. Never waste a moment, and always travel with real gym shoes!” – Morgan
“After traveling to Spain, I now see the world as full of amazing opportunities and friendships. Go out and explore as much as you can!” – Addison
Experiences like these allow LINK Scholars to see themselves in new places, build independence, strengthen their confidence, and form relationships that stretch far beyond their everyday environments. For Morgan and Addison, Spain became more than a summer trip, it was an opportunity to discover just how much of the world is waiting for them to explore.
