Hello to those who are reading this. My name is Sarah Files and I am a freshman at Penn State University Park, studying for my bachelors degree in music education as a violist.
Back in October, I was informed of a study abroad opportunity in my Spanish course that would take place in May of 2016, after finals week. After applying and interviewing, I proudly stand as one of only 15 people that were selected to participate in the program. I consider myself very lucky to have such a fantastic opportunity on my hands. This program will take place in Ronda, Spain, about 60 miles west of Málaga in the south-western region of Andalusia. It is a beautiful little town with so much history and original architecture. This nine-credit trip spans six weeks during which I will be able to learn from native Spanish Penn State faculty in the Spanish School for Foreigners. Since this trip is worth a rather large number of credits, it is the perfect opportunity to begin a minor in the Spanish language.
I hope to one day incorporate my musical abilities with my teaching abilities to my Spanish abilities so I am able to teach music either within inner-city schools throughout the United States, or on an even higher note, teach music throughout Spain. That is something I have been dreaming of for a very long time, and with this abroad opportunity showing up in the inbox of my email, and after being accepted, I thought to myself, "If not me, then who? And if not now, then when?" I simply cannot pass this up. Learning more about this beautiful country and becoming more fluent with it's gorgeous language bit by bit has been such a treat the past few years and I would love to immerse myself within the culture and experience it first-hand. The more I think about it, the more I fall in love with the opportunity. The experience I would gain is irreplaceable.
The one concerning thing about this trip is the cost. While it is one of the cheaper abroad programs Penn State offers, it is still rather expensive for me and my family. Being a music education major requires a huge time commitment; the majority of my time is dedicated to my studies and practice, which leaves me unable to commit time to a steady job. And since my mother is ill and is living in a nursing home, my father has to work extra hard to pay the extra expenses to fulfill her needs. Because of this situation, my family is not able to help me fund this trip whatsoever. And although it is very hard for me to come out and create something like a Go Fund Me for my own personal needs, I believe that the goals I want to achieve for my future career begin with this trip to Ronda, Spain. Any donations made are immensely appreciated. And any amount of money at all will be a step in the right direction. I would be grateful for anything that comes my way.
Thank you so incredibly much. My heart flutters with excitement at the thought of living, speaking, and experiencing this outstanding country.
Back in October, I was informed of a study abroad opportunity in my Spanish course that would take place in May of 2016, after finals week. After applying and interviewing, I proudly stand as one of only 15 people that were selected to participate in the program. I consider myself very lucky to have such a fantastic opportunity on my hands. This program will take place in Ronda, Spain, about 60 miles west of Málaga in the south-western region of Andalusia. It is a beautiful little town with so much history and original architecture. This nine-credit trip spans six weeks during which I will be able to learn from native Spanish Penn State faculty in the Spanish School for Foreigners. Since this trip is worth a rather large number of credits, it is the perfect opportunity to begin a minor in the Spanish language.
I hope to one day incorporate my musical abilities with my teaching abilities to my Spanish abilities so I am able to teach music either within inner-city schools throughout the United States, or on an even higher note, teach music throughout Spain. That is something I have been dreaming of for a very long time, and with this abroad opportunity showing up in the inbox of my email, and after being accepted, I thought to myself, "If not me, then who? And if not now, then when?" I simply cannot pass this up. Learning more about this beautiful country and becoming more fluent with it's gorgeous language bit by bit has been such a treat the past few years and I would love to immerse myself within the culture and experience it first-hand. The more I think about it, the more I fall in love with the opportunity. The experience I would gain is irreplaceable.
The one concerning thing about this trip is the cost. While it is one of the cheaper abroad programs Penn State offers, it is still rather expensive for me and my family. Being a music education major requires a huge time commitment; the majority of my time is dedicated to my studies and practice, which leaves me unable to commit time to a steady job. And since my mother is ill and is living in a nursing home, my father has to work extra hard to pay the extra expenses to fulfill her needs. Because of this situation, my family is not able to help me fund this trip whatsoever. And although it is very hard for me to come out and create something like a Go Fund Me for my own personal needs, I believe that the goals I want to achieve for my future career begin with this trip to Ronda, Spain. Any donations made are immensely appreciated. And any amount of money at all will be a step in the right direction. I would be grateful for anything that comes my way.
Thank you so incredibly much. My heart flutters with excitement at the thought of living, speaking, and experiencing this outstanding country.