Càceres, Spain

Why I chose to go to Spain: I wanted to perfect my Spanish. I was drawn to the Spanish lifestyle, and felt sure I would have a good experience there.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: Being able to say what I want to say in Spanish. Meeting and making friends with Spanish people who are my age.

My ICRP: Internship with ASPAINCA. Aspainca is a private organization/school for children and young adults with mental impairments that teaches skills for societal integration. I work approximately 4 hours a week in theater and art therapy classes, planning activities for the classes, interacting with the students, keeping groups on task (in the art therapy classes, I often work one-on-one with students). The kids and instructors at Aspainca have shown me how special learning situations should be approached. Their open attitudes about disability are crucial to the instruction. They have shown me what is to accept differences with a open heart and helping hands.

See contact page to arrange a speaking engagement.

Read excerpts from my letters home.