Kaitlin Hutchcroft '15

What inspired you to pursue study abroad?

I was motivated to study abroad because I am a Spanish major, and I wanted to drastically improve my Spanish speaking skills. Yet, I was also inspired to study abroad because I love experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I believe that to be the best, most well-rounded, and informed person that I can be, I must have diverse experiences, which includes traveling to foreign lands.

How did Knox prepare you for the journey?

Taking the Spain Culture class with Professor Fernando Gomez taught me a lot about the history of Spain, as well as current politics in the country. Living in Barcelona, the capital city of Catalonia, I learned more about the politics behind the struggle for independence and now have a better understanding of this controversial subject. Living there gave me the opportunity to understand and personally experience the different cultures that make up this nation.

How did studying abroad impact your professional and personal development?

During this experience, I helped Catalan and Spanish native speakers improve their English skills by teaching my native language and participating in intercambios. In this way, I prepared myself for my future career in education.