Makena Van Bourgondien studied in Valencia, Spain in summer 2023.

A real estate and Spanish double major from Dublin, Makena Van Bourgondien ’25 studied at the University of Valencia in Spain for six weeks in the summer of 2023 via the ISA Abroad Hispanic Studies program.

As someone who had never left the U.S. before, going abroad really opened my eyes to a new part of the world and helped me break out of my shell. I’ve been studying Spanish for eight years, so finally getting to use the language on a daily basis made me realize how much I’d learned from my classes.

My experience abroad would not have been the same if it wasn’t for the great friends I made in just a short span of six weeks. Coming here knowing nobody in my program and leaving with new best friends was hands down the highlight of my trip!

I’m not usually very open to change or trying new things, but studying abroad made me comfortable with being uncomfortable, especially in new surroundings and living with a host family.

I believe that being a global citizen is important because it allows you to see beyond your own community and become more open/accepting to other ways of life that may be completely different from what you’re accustomed to.