Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Spencer Realejo '26

Major/minor: Biology and Chemical Biology majors with Hispanic Studies minor

Study abroad program: Liberal Arts and Language in Granada, Spring 2025

Reason you chose this program: I wanted to study in a city that aligned with my interests in Hispanic Studies. I was also looking for a place where I could fully immerse myself in the local culture, and Granada was the perfect fit!

Favorite classes: My favorite class was a Flamenco dance class, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone since I’ve never considered myself a dancer. I was really nervous at first, but as I began learning more about the art form, I completely fell in love with it. We not only learned traditional Flamenco techniques, but also got to attend intimate local performances that were absolutely beautiful. To wrap up the semester, our class performed a show in the streets of downtown Granada which was an incredible way to display everything we had learned.

How did you incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your study abroad experience? I was able to complete my Hispanic Studies minor while abroad. Before going, I had finished up to HISP 111, so I only needed two more electives which I was able to take and complete during my time in Spain.

Housing situation: I lived in a residence hall with students from the University of Granada, along with 12 other students from my program. I really loved my housing setup because I had my own private room and bathroom, which was a great space to recharge whenever I felt overwhelmed. It was the perfect balance between connecting with people from my program and local UGR students. I got to practice my Spanish daily and even became close friends with some of them.

What were some parts of your identity that you thought about while considering study abroad? As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I was very mindful of this aspect of my identity throughout my study abroad experience. When choosing a destination, I wanted to study somewhere that was welcoming and allowed me to express myself freely. Granada turned out to be an excellent choice. The city is known for being very LGBTQ+ friendly, which made me feel comfortable and safe during my time abroad. If you have any questions or concerns about navigating LGBTQ+ identity while studying abroad, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Favorite memory: One of my favorite memories was from one of our final program trips of the semester to Cabo de Gata, a beautiful national park on the southeastern coast of Spain. Although the trip was bittersweet, knowing my study abroad experience was coming to an end, it was an incredible experience. We hiked along the coast with breathtaking views and stopped at spots where we could swim in the Mediterranean. The trip ended with a group dinner filled with laughter and stories as we reminisced about the incredible memories we had made abroad.

Greatest challenge: My greatest challenge abroad was interning at a local hospital emergency room in Granada. While it eventually became my most rewarding experience, it definitely was overwhelming at first. I found it very hard to make small talk and connect with healthcare professionals due to the language barrier. However, as the semester went on, I grew more comfortable sharing about my day and connecting with the staff. By the end of the semester, I had formed meaningful relationships with the healthcare professionals and gained valuable insight into how medical systems operate globally.

Did you apply for any scholarships? Which ones and how did they impact your time abroad? I applied for the Gilman Scholarship, which was incredibly helpful in covering travel expenses and program costs. I highly encourage all of you to consider applying!

What do you know now that you didn't know before? While abroad, I discovered so much about myself that I hadn’t realized before. I learned that I’m not only capable of living, but truly thriving, in an unfamiliar environment. I gained confidence in trusting myself even when I felt overwhelmed. I also realized that learning a language requires letting go of insecurities and embracing mistakes as part of the process.

Fact about Spain that you think people would be surprised to learn: Europe's only desert is located in Cabo de Gata, one of Spain's most cherished national parks!