Viansa Reid’s Year in Spain: Language, Science, and Cultural Insights

Viansa Reid embarked on an extraordinary journey, pausing her life in the United States for a transformative year in Spain. As a student majoring in modern language and environmental science, she ventured to Alicante through the Interdisciplinary Global Programs at Northern Arizona University. There, she immersed herself in Spanish culture and gained invaluable experience working at a bioplastics lab. Discover how Reid adapted to life abroad and navigated the challenges of homesickness.

Choosing Spain for Study Abroad

Reid selected the University of Alicante as her study abroad destination because it was a partner institution of her program. The Interdisciplinary Global Programs at NAU allowed her to pursue dual majors in STEM and a language, extending her undergraduate studies to five years to accommodate a full year abroad. Spain, with its vibrant culture and the promising environmental science internship options at the University of Alicante, drew her in as the ideal choice.

Academic Endeavors and Research

During her year in Spain, Reid divided her time between academics and hands-on research. In the first semester, she took several courses, including a B2-level Spanish class, botany in English, and European geography in Spanish. Her second semester was dedicated to a 540-hour internship at the Bioplastic Lab, where she participated in research on plastic biodegradation and microplastic extraction in soils. This experience provided her with exposure to global soil samples and the impact of microplastics on soil health.

Financing the Experience

Funding a year abroad presented its challenges, but Reid successfully secured several scholarships from NAU to help offset expenses. She found the cost of living in Spain to be significantly lower than in the United States, paying half as much for rent and a quarter of her usual grocery costs. To cover additional expenses, she relied on student loans as she had done in previous academic years.

Experiencing Cultural Differences

Reid encountered notable cultural differences during her stay in Spain, particularly in daily schedules and social interactions. Spaniards typically have different meal times, often eating dinner as late as 10 p.m., even with young children. Socially, she observed that Spaniards tend to be more direct and honest compared to Americans, who often soften bad news. This candid communication style seemed common across Europe in her experience.

Participating in Local Traditions

Reid had the opportunity to experience vibrant local festivals in Valencia and Alicante. These events, such as Las Fallas and Las Hogueras, celebrate seasonal changes with colorful sculptures, fireworks, and music. The festivals culminate in the burning of statues, a unique tradition that captivated Reid. While Las Fallas spans two days, Las Hogueras extends over a week, offering a deeper immersion into Spanish culture.

Coping with Homesickness

Homesickness was a challenge for Reid, manifesting in waves throughout her year abroad. The time zone difference made it difficult to regularly connect with loved ones. To combat loneliness, she found solace in fellow Interdisciplinary Global Programs students and international friends. Staying connected with family and friends through texts and scheduled calls helped her maintain a sense of home while embracing new opportunities in Spain.

Culinary Adventures

One of Reid’s favorite spots in Alicante was La Horchatería Azul, known for its unique horchata made from tiger root. She enjoyed ordering it “granizado,” a slushie-like texture, and often combined it with lemon granizado for a refreshing treat. The almond cake slices offered at the shop made for a delightful pairing. On the flip side, her least favorite culinary experience was a traditional Christmas dish featuring pickled asparagus, which she is unlikely to try again.