Study Abroad illuminated through Student Voices

Italian Studies, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Study Abroad, , , , Leave a comment
A group takes a photo together in Spain. A mountain can be seen in the background.

From ancient Roman pantheons that have stood for millennia, to an Iberian beach warmly illuminated by the sun setting into the Atlantic, to a stroll on a foggy December morning through London’s historic streets, study abroad experiences can be life-changing for our students at Fresno State. Oftentimes, an experience abroad not only gives students new vigor for their areas of study but can shift worldviews, cultivate lifelong connections, and influence the trajectory of students’ lives. One of the most important parts of Fresno State’s study abroad program is students’ voices during their time out of the country, both to show the value of their experience and to inspire students to go abroad in the future.  

Over the summer, faculty in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures (MCLL), in partnership with the Division of Continuing and Global Education, led several study abroad programs, taking dozens of students to cities in Spain and Italy. We have asked these students to share their experiences of learning about and being immersed in foreign cultures.

  • Two women pose for a photo in front of ancient ruins in Spain.
    Marple in Spain.
  • An old street at night with brick roads and old architecture, including a tall tower is lit by lamp posts.
    A warmly-lit street in Spain at night.
  • Cave stalactites in Spain.
    Cave stalactites in Spain.
  • A view from above overlooking a Spanish town. Many of the houses are white with light brown roofs, with green trees sprinkled throughout. There are small mountains in the background and a blue sky with white clouds.
    The view overlooking a Spanish town.
  • A cream colored old building can be seen with dark brown roofs. There is a fountain on the bottom right with carves animals.
    An antique building in Spain.

Juanita Marple

Media, communication and journalism B.A. – Film and Media Arts

“My experience has impacted my personal and educational development by sustaining my curiosity to learn more about the people of this world. It has encouraged me to not stop learning about us and how we might one day become one people. Traveling to Spain has shaped my worldview by igniting hope in humanity. I learned that just because someone lives in a different part of the world does not mean that they don’t want the same things as others, such as world peace, solving world hunger, etc.  

“Lastly, I would like to stress the importance of going abroad and experiencing someone else’s culture. We deal with all kinds of people from day to day. Most contention arises due to misunderstandings between two people.

“By studying abroad, you are learning how to talk to people who have grown up in a completely different way than you and by doing so, you are gaining tools to better understand one another. The more we can understand one another, the more likely we are able to unite to fix the bigger issues of the world. And that is a world that I would like to live in.”

  • Gurneet Kaur poses in front of an opening in a wall showing the rest of the town. She is wearing a white dress and has a black bag.
    Gurneet Kaur poses for a photo.
  • 4 women each on camels. with a hill with green trees and shrubs behind them.
    Kaur and others on camelback in Morroco.
  • A group of 7 women sit around a table and pose for a photo while they eat. The patio area has white walls and green vegetation in the background.
    Kaur and friends pose for a photo during a meal.
  • A coastal city with trees and buildings in view, as well as a harbor with boats.
    A view pf Malaga, Spain.
  • A photo from the inside of the Alhambra. There is an opening in the roof and the sky and clouds peek through the opening.
    The Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.

Gurneet Kaur

Biology B.A., psychology and physical science minors

“This was my first time traveling internationally, and I had a wonderful study abroad experience through this Fresno State faculty-led program. I had the opportunity to attend Spanish language classes in the morning and experience Spanish culture through various activities in the afternoons. I truly enjoyed learning more about the culture and traditions of Malaga, Spain, through everyday experiences, such as eating at local restaurants and exploring the local markets and beaches.

“I also loved the trips to the Alhambra and Nerja Caves along with the opportunity to travel to Tangier, Morocco. I was definitely able to learn more about myself and about the world around me through this study abroad program. I was able to immerse myself in different cultures, which taught me how to be open to new experiences, step out of my comfort zone and grow as an individual. “

  • A woman in a white dress with gloves made of white sheer fabric and white fabric butterflies on them.
    Alex Cota before her recital.
  • A woman stands in front of the ocean. She is wearing a dress and a straw hat. There are boats behind her.
    Alex Cota standing by the water.
  • A woman standing with a rainbow fan in her hands, standing on a ledge over looking the edge of a coastal city.
    Alex Cota stands in front of a coastal city with a fan.
  • A young woman in a dress stands next to a woman wearing a shirt and a skirt.
    Alex with her professor.

Alexandra Cota

Music B.A., emphasis in vocal performance

“It’s difficult to choose a favorite memory from my experience, but one of the moments that really stuck with me was when I returned to a small restaurant I’d visited on my first day in the city.  Even though I’d only been there once, all the staff remembered me, and they doted on me like I was family.  It was extremely touching, as well as emblematic of the kindness I experienced throughout my time in Italy.

“This was my first time traveling by myself, as well as my first time traveling abroad.  Throughout my experience, I gained a new sense of independence and confidence.  When I arrived in Italy, I spoke almost no Italian and had a limited understanding of the transportation systems.  However, I still managed to figure things out and have an amazing trip, even when I was completely on my own.

“Although I have always wanted to travel and explore other cultures, this was my first opportunity to experience the world from a non-American perspective.  I think Americans tend to view our culture as the “norm,” and I had to confront many of my own biases and allow myself to be more flexible.  One of the things that shocked me about Italian culture was how friendly the people were, even to foreigners like me.  I felt incredibly welcomed, and I realized how much of an impact a simple acknowledgment can have, especially to people who feel out of place.”

  • A woman stands on a ledge which overlooks the edge of the coast, with the ocean in the background.
    Shailey Shah poses for a photo.
  • Two women take a photo in front of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. The large columns in front of the Pantheon and the Pantheon's roof can be seen, as well as a phrase written in Latin.
    Shah and a friend in front of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy.
  • Three women pose in front of the coast. Boats and a dock can be seen in the background, as well as rocky cliffs.
    Shah poses with two friends in front of the coast.

Shailey Shah

Biology B.A., Spanish and physical science minors

“I took a class entitled ‘Made in Italy,’ which essentially revolved around immersing ourselves in Italian culture and history. A large portion of the course involved going on excursions and exploring famous destinations/landmarks in Florence, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. Overall, I would describe my study abroad experience as enriching, unique and a lot of fun! By taking the course, I was able to gain significant insight into the society, culture and history of Florence. Additionally, prior to taking this course, I had never traveled independently before, so studying abroad definitely helped me grow as a person.

“I would highly encourage other Fresno State students to study abroad if they can. By going out of your comfort zone, you not only learn a lot about the world, but you also get to meet some pretty amazing people!”

Shaymany Suarez stands in front of a large building in a white sleeveless shirt, jorts, and black shoes.
Shaymany Suarez poses for a photo.

Shaymay Suarez

Spanish B.A., LGBTQ2+ studies minor

“Studying abroad with Dr. Morillo was the best experience ever, not only because she is a great professor who made, in my opinion, the perfect curriculum for us, the students, to learn everything we could in three weeks, but also because Seville is her hometown and one thing I learned about Sevillanos is that they are very welcoming, and that is exactly how it felt studying under her, she opened us the door to her home. 

“I will always cherish my experiences studying abroad because not only did it open doors to my professional career, but it also made me grow as a person, making me change my outlook on the world. Being outside U.S. territory, I witnessed a different culture with a different lifestyle than us, something that I would love to experience myself. My favorite memories of studying abroad were socializing with the locals, and now I have friends across the world.

“And lastly and very importantly, it is worth mentioning my gratitude to all the staff in charge of these events that enrich and contribute to the student’s knowledge, especially to Professor Dr. María Dolores Morillo, who, through her our trip, our experiences and above all our safety was always a priority. And without the help of Dr. Morillo, my trip would not have been as enjoyable and beautiful as it was.”

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