My name is Meyu Kanazawa, and I’m a senior at ATU.
I am majoring in international studies, minoring Spanish and TESOL.
I chose to study abroad in Spain because I want to actually be fluent in Spanish. Learning a language is not easy but when I change the environment, I know it will help me a lot. ATU has so many amazing opportunities for reaching my goals. I went on a trip to Mexico, and I loved that experience.
I am an international student from Japan, so I am already getting used to being far away from my family. However, it is sad to leave ATU because I found out that this is my second home. I will miss all of my Arkansas friends because I have countless beautiful memories. I am looking forward to making new friends and connections in Spain. Home used to be one thing, one place. Now home is where I go. Made of things that I pick up from everywhere that welcomes me. Home is not where I have been, it is where I am going.
I think something I always have in my heart when I face a different point of view with other people is to be respectful. Everyone has different backgrounds, so it is normal to have different opinions. Most importantly it is better for us to share and get to know each other. It would help me to understand other cultures deeper and make me fall in love with their cultures.
I genuinely appreciate this ATU study abroad program. Not only can we take classes but also, I can take language courses. I hope to learn real content in Spain how they speak more naturally than language in textbooks. I am looking forward to learning Spanish with people who don’t use Spanish as their first language. Because we can share some struggles and help each other.
I know my host culture has different timing for eating schedules. I will always not expect my way, but I will always be open to new thoughts and cultures.
I am looking forward to discovering new places and making new friends. I love to go and see somewhere I have never been. It always makes me realize how much the world is wide, our life is short. I am so lucky to be born in this era. We can go anywhere without any transportation problems. I am especially looking forward to seeing La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The unique and innovative architectural design. Also, construction is ongoing. Began in 1882 and continues to this day.
Honestly, I am more excited than nervous. I cannot wait for new adventures. I am a little nervous about the place where I stay and people who I stay with. I only know I will share a house with three other girls, so I am both expecting and nervous.
