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During my sophomore Spring semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain for four months. This was my first time living abroad, and I aimed to fully immerse myself in the language, culture, and healthcare system of Spain. My goals were clear: improve my Spanish fluency, gain valuable medical experience, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. Little did I know, this experience would not only expand my linguistic and academic knowledge, but it would also deeply shape my personal growth, career aspirations, and understanding of healthcare in a global context.

Upon arriving in Sevilla, I quickly realized that this city, with its rich history and deep cultural roots, would be the perfect place for total immersion. I chose to live with a native Spaniard, Susana, who became my host mother. Her daily conversations and the welcoming, familial atmosphere of her home helped me improve my language skills exponentially.

There was no escaping the language barrier, and for the first time, I was forced to communicate entirely in Spanish. This immersion had a profound impact on my fluency, allowing me to converse with locals and engage in meaningful interactions that extended beyond basic daily exchanges. My experience of daily life in Sevilla was vastly different from the more fast-paced, individualistic lifestyle I was accustomed to back in the U.S. The Spanish culture placed a strong emphasis on personal relationships, where long meals, often shared with family or friends, were a central part of daily life. This shift challenged me to slow down and appreciate the value of human connection, something I had not fully realized in the context of my everyday routine back home.

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Additionally, one of the key aspects of my experience in Spain was my internship at Clínica Santa Isabel, a private hospital in Sevilla. For four months, I shadowed physicians and nurses in various specialties, including hematology and surgery, which were my areas of interest. The experience allowed me to witness a variety of medical procedures first-hand, from orthopedic surgeries to hernia repairs and septoplasties. Being in the operating room was eye-opening, and the physicians generously shared their knowledge with me, giving me a glimpse into the world of healthcare in Spain. One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was assisting with blood draws. While it was a new and somewhat intimidating task at first, I began to connect more with the patients as I carried out the procedure. I was able to discuss my Spanish studies with them, which helped build rapport and made me feel more involved in their care.

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The biggest challenge I faced during my internship was communication. Before studying abroad, I had never engaged in a full-length conversation with a Spaniard, let alone discussed medical terminology in Spanish with patients and doctors. Initially, the language barrier felt overwhelming, especially when it came to medical terms and complex procedures. The first couple of weeks consisted of more observing and listening than speaking. I carried a notebook with me, jotting down any new words or phrases to review later. However, by the end of my time at the clinic, I was able to identify common medical terms in both Spanish and English, which greatly improved my confidence and communication skills. One of the most memorable moments occurred when I helped translate for an older Hispanic woman at the Clemson Rural Health clinic back in the U.S. She was distressed because the nurse struggled to communicate with her due to a language barrier. I was able to step in and translate, easing the tension in the room. This experience made me realize just how valuable my medical Spanish skills had become, and it further cemented my desire to pursue a career in medicine where I can bridge communication gaps in healthcare.

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Living and working in a foreign country gave me a unique perspective on the role of communication in medicine. I quickly learned that language is not just a tool for exchanging information, but a means of building trust and easing anxiety. This became especially clear when I witnessed patients in the clinic who were struggling to communicate their symptoms due to language barriers. In these instances, I was able to assist, offering a sense of relief to the patients who no longer had to worry about being misunderstood. This reinforced my belief that effective communication is critical to providing the best possible care, and I became more determined to further develop my language skills and cultural competence.

In addition to honing my communication abilities, studying abroad also helped me develop resilience and adaptability—traits that are vital in both medicine and life. Navigating a foreign country, adjusting to a new culture, and overcoming language barriers required me to embrace uncertainty and step outside of my comfort zone. Each challenge I encountered—whether it was dealing with the frustrations of not understanding certain medical procedures or simply getting lost in a new city—taught me to persevere and adapt. These experiences mirrored the unpredictable nature of medicine, where no two cases are alike and unforeseen challenges are common. By learning how to navigate these obstacles in Spain, I feel better prepared to tackle similar challenges in my future career.

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My study abroad experience in Spain has had a profound influence on both my personal growth and my future career goals. Through my internship and daily interactions with locals, I gained not only medical knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. I now feel more confident in my ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds, especially those who speak Spanish. This experience has solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine with a focus on serving underserved communities and overcoming language and cultural barriers. Moving forward, I am committed to furthering my language skills, particularly in medical Spanish, and developing a more global perspective on healthcare.

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Looking back, my time studying abroad in Sevilla was transformative. The experience taught me the importance of effective communication, cultural adaptability, and resilience—skills that will undoubtedly shape both my medical career and my personal development. As I continue on my educational journey, I will carry these lessons with me, always striving to bridge gaps in communication and deliver compassionate, culturally competent care to those in need. This experience has not only shaped my career aspirations but also given me a deeper understanding of myself and the role I hope to play in the world of medicine.