Unlike many of my UD classmates, I didn't enter college with extensive travel experience. I had really only been on one or two vacations in my life, and never without my whole family. However, when the Segovia trip was introduced as an option to me, I jumped in with both feet. I was so excited. This would be my chance to travel, see the world, become cosmopolitan, wander through Europe with no parental boundaries…the whole deal.

As the days drew nearer for me to leave the safety of my home, I began to get a bit nervous. The airline through which I was booked was threatening a strike, the terrorist groups were threatening U.S. interests and allies, and SARS was rampant in Toronto - my connecting city. It seemed as though someone was trying to tell me to stay home where I'd be secure. I decided to persevere, and I'm SO glad I did.

I landed in Madrid –my now favorite city in the whole world. It is busy, yet somehow not frightening. My Spanish fluency was tested right from the start, and I surprised myself with how well I was able to read signs, follow directions, and find my way around. I met up with some other UD students, so I really never felt alone.

After a brief stay in Madrid, we moved on to Segovia. The ride was beautiful and I was struck by how "old" everything seemed. I know much of Europe is "old," but remember, I had only seen these places in history books from my modern Ohio classroom. Seeing the old buildings, streets, cathedrals, and the aqueduct in person was just breathtaking.

In the very first Segovia class with Dr. Francisco Peñas-Bermejo, he made it clear that he wanted us to study and do well. However, he also stressed that we are there for such a short time, and he wanted us to take in all the history, culture, and Spanish experiences we could. His enthusiasm for his hometown in his home country was contagious. He and his brother, Jaime, also one of our professors, encouraged us to get out and enjoy Spain.

Despite my limited travel experiences pre-Segovia, I soon found myself booking flights and hotels for weekend excursions. Our informal travel group spent a weekend in Valencia where we watched a sunrise more beautiful than I had ever seen. We took in the excitement of the Real Madrid Soccer Club in Madrid and attended a bullfight that wasn't as disgusting as I had feared. If I were sitting at home in Ohio talking about bullfighting, I'd be totally against it. But, I think being in Spain, surrounded by the culture and the ideals of the Spanish people, I understood that they view it much more as an art and a way to honor the bull.

Traveling to Spain was a tremendously frightening, exhilarating, rewarding, and meaningful experiences all rolled into one. Every time I look at my photos from the trip or pull out a memento, it is like reliving the trip all over again. It ignited my passion for travel and opened my eyes to the beauty of other cultures and people. I am absolutely in love with the Spanish language, and once I'm a teacher, I want to share this experience with my students and show them how large, diverse, and wonderful their world is.

I highly recommend the Segovia program, or quite frankly any study abroad program, and encourage anyone who can go to make it a high priority. While you're there, take tons of photos, go out and experience the nightlife as only the Spanish can, and bask in the history and architecture around you.