When Kalia Early, a psychology major at USF Sarasota-Manatee, accepted the Clyde G.
Nixon Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship and set off for Salamanca, Spain, on July 5,
she had no idea how profound an impact the experience would have on her.
“It was a culture shock,” said Early, who had long aspired to learn a second language.
“Being in another country and being forced to actually pick up a language really motivated
me to reach my goal.”
Over the course of the next four weeks, Early and 25 other students participated in various workshops on subjects ranging from flamenco dancing and cooking to art and cyanotype photography. They explored Salamanca and its surroundings, including visits to churches, museums, palaces and universities. On weekends, they had the opportunity to travel to nearby cities such as Zamora, Segovia, Ávila, Madrid and Aveiro, Portugal.
The language barrier was challenging at first but over time, Early learned to communicate
with her host family and others in the community. When she returned home, she experienced
another shock.
“I realized just how much energy Americans use and how many things we waste all the
time,” said Early, who misses the ability to get around without a car.
The trip was facilitated by Margarita Altuna, an assistant professor of instruction,
who cherishes the opportunity to witness the impact study abroad experiences have
on USF students.
“When the students go to the country and experience the culture for themselves, they get immersed and start seeing the world in a different way,” she said. “These crucial experiences get them thinking about their future in a way that goes beyond the scope of just learning and using Spanish.”
For Early, a dance instructor and the president of Somos Toros, the USF Spanish Club, the trip has inspired her to host a flamenco dancer on campus. She also expects the cultural awareness and language skills she developed will enhance her future work as a therapist — especially since she intends to work in an area with a large Spanish-speaking population.
Early’s experience is one of 42 made possible by the generosity of Clyde G. Nixon Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship. Since 2007, the scholarship has provided almost $150,000 to USF students studying abroad.
“Without them, it would have been a lot more challenging to be part of this program,” Early said. “I am so thankful.”