Learning Without Borders Part 3

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2010) – Studying abroad is often described as a life-changing experience for college students. For Owensboro native Bryan Kennedy, a recent graduate from the College of Communications, his semester abroad changed his life. 
 

This is the third in a three-part series which explores his experiences on another continent through multimedia. 
 

We sat down with Bryan to garner some real answers to some basic questions about education abroad.  His candid responses and video blog from his trip to Morocco offer an authentic taste of the true education abroad experience. 
 

Where did you live during your education abroad experience?

"I was based out of Seville, Spain. It’s not a large city, but it’s not small. To me it was the perfect education abroad destination. The city was easy to navigate and after a while it felt like another home. Just like in the states you have an everyday routine; I created an everyday routine there, too. The city was great. It’s a very old city with loads of history. The city was perfect for helping to advance my Spanish skills, too.  Although Seville is a tourist destination, the majority of people in the city speak little to no English. This was of course difficult at first, but after I finally climbed out of my box, I had a great time hanging out with locals and improving my Spanish language skills."

How long did you stay?

"I stayed in Seville for three months. In Spain their semesters start a little bit later than ours so I hung out at home until I was ready to make the trip. Before I left, I could only think about the fact that I was going to be spending three months in a foreign country. To me this seemed like such a long time, but everyone who had studied abroad before me reminded that it would pass quickly, and sure enough, they were right. It felt like it all went by in a blink of an eye, and looking back sometimes I feel as though it didn’t even happen. The entire experience happened so quickly. Luckily I have thousands of pictures and videos to remind me."

Tell me about one of your favorite memories about your time abroad.

"There are so many and it’s hard to even categorize or remember all of them. Looking back, my greatest memories were spent with the friends I made there and my great host family.  When studying abroad I believe your host family can make or break your experience. My host family not only made my experience, but they took it to the next level. My family was perfect. At first my roommate and I were nervous before we were about to meet our host family, but it wasn’t too long before I realized we totally lucked out. The family consisted of the mother and her three sons. The relationship that was created between my family and me is one I will cherish forever.
 

For someone to take you into their home and treat you as if you were one of their own is a skill not easily gained, but my host mother and the rest of her family did it well. The best memory I have with my host family is a night we all went out dancing. The family of one of the brother’s girlfriend and my host family are very close. The two mothers do pretty much everything together. On this particular night, the mother of my brother’s girlfriend, Salud, was going to be singing at a Sevilian establishment. My roommate and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go out with them and have a truly authentic family experience. This was arguably the best night of the entire trip. All members from both families went out except for one of my brothers who had to work a night shift. When we arrived, the family and friends of the family taught us the native dance called the Sevillana. Dancing with both mothers and friends of the family was an experience I’ll never forget. The night will always stick out in my mind, and I only dream of being able to go back and have that experience again."

Why should other Wildcats study abroad?

"Other Wildcats should study abroad because the experience will change their lives. While talking about this experience I attempt to not sound cliché, but that’s near impossible. After studying abroad I am a different person, a person changed for the better. If you have the chance to study abroad, no matter where it is, DO IT. You won’t regret a minute of it."

What advice would you give them?

"My advice would be to be prepared to go outside of your box. During your entire life you’ve built up a type of comfort zone, but the experience you are about to have is one unlike anything you’ve ever done and the only way you can truly have the best time is to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things."
 

For more information about education abroad opportunities, visit: http://abroad.ad.uky.edu/ .