Being back in the United States for a week has given me time to reflect on all of the amazing experiences I’ve had in Spain. In fact, I created an Oviedo scrapbook so that in the future I can look back on the photos, souvenirs and knick-knacks I collected from study abroad. While flipping through my scrapbook I feel extremely thankful that this opportunity to study in a foreign country was available and that I took action to make it happen. In addition, I reflect on my feelings before leaving the US. I was excited but also very nervous to be placed in a completely new country, family, and school. However, the night I arrived, I was consoled by a fellow New Paltz student who was in my program. He told me that even though it may be overwhelming at first, by the end of the program I would not want to leave. Boy, was he right! I have gained a greater world perspective by meeting students from all walks of life. Due to this I was exposed to new perspectives, values, and customs that are different from that of the environment in which I grew up. I have gained a new appreciation for history, too, seeing that ancient history plays such a fundamental role in the culture of Asturias. In terms of language, I feel much more confident in my Spanish speaking and listening skills which have improved. Even though I have no definitive way of “measuring” my progress, it now feels second nature to alternate between Spanish and English while in conversation with someone without even realizing that it’s happening. Overall, this has been one of the most influential learning experience that I have had in my lifetime and I am forever grateful for making the most of this program.