Intercambio in Valencia

By Kent Truckor - Guest Blogger studying in Spain

Today has been a very good day. First off I received an email from a woman named Sylvia who is interested in an intercambio language exchange. What this means is that I will help her with her English and she will help me with my Spanish through discussion format. From what I have heard this is a truly dynamic way to improve ones listening and speaking abilities. I have found that I can speak decent with Spanish people however when it comes to listening and comprehending what they say when they speak at a regular pace, this is a different story. I am excited about the opportunity to work with someone who is native to the Spanish language but also that I can help with English. This provides me with a sense of merit for what I am trying to achieve.

I also received a number of emails from friends and family back home. This is my first extensive trip/study experience abroad. I was curious as to if being home sick would hit me but if it has, it has been minor. This is not to say that it can't come on down the road. However, what I have found is that for me email is my link/life line to everything that I have known or experienced at home. It is different for everyone but when I can email a friend or family member at home and vise versa just to catch up I feel as if I am there in a way. I email friends and family each day and I have not lost a beat.

This morning I met with a Professor from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. A professor of mine from my college back in the United States has met him a while back and had become friends with him. I met him to see what opportunities existed for intercambio exchange at the University as well as possible internship opportunities throughout the city for Construction Management and Technology, the degree of which I graduated with in May. Opportunities for internships sounded bright as he has a friend who works for a local construction firm of the city. This would be an excellent experience for various reasons, career and personally. The intercambio exchange would not really happen until the University resumed regular classes in September.

Today, class went well. Although I must admit there were a few times when I seemed to drop the ball when speaking in class, lol. However, much like anything I have found no matter what happens the best advice is to keep pressing on. Although I still may sound funny due to my limited knowledge of the language I know now that I can get a point across when needed which is a terrific realization. There is much to be seen to the city and I have just begun. When the Spaniards speak much of it is still baffles me however more and more I can pick out and understand words. All in all, things are going well. It is an uphill battle learning a new language but it is one that is well worth taking on.