Alumni Interview with Jordan Drummonds

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Being a Spanish major in college, it was crucial to take every opportunity that led me to improve my level of Spanish as well as gaining knowledge about the many cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

I knew the only way to truly learn the language well was to study abroad. There were many places to choose from, so the decision wasn't easy, but it all came down to the overall experience I wanted during my stay abroad: language(s), travel, and food.

Studying in Spain was the best option for me as it's surrounded by other countries rich in cultural history and tourism.

Why did you choose Centro MundoLengua?

Although there were numerous programs to select, many were big organizations that had overwhelming requirements, lists, and information, it was very challenging to sort through programs and connect with staff to get an idea of the company and the program that would be best for me.

Centro MundoLengua had the personal touch that I needed. I could directly contact a program coordinator or advisor to give me direct information and build a relationship with before departing. A program is only as good as its organizer and staff, CML gets five stars! Amazing!

What was your favorite part about Seville?

Seville is one of the most historic cities in Spain, its deep history is represented through all the monuments and architecture. There’s something new to discover every day!

Additionally, it has a lovely old town vibe despite being the third largest city in the country, you can find everything you need while having the unique and relaxed atmosphere of a quiet town. 

Want a break from schoolwork? Take a nice stroll down the river. Looking for a quirky hole-in-the-wall place to eat? There are tons downtown! Seville is the perfect place for modern city life and easygoing town vibes.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

The excursions included in the program. Being in a different country is already quite the journey and experience but being able to travel to other popular destinations around Europe with some of the most knowledgeable tour guides really takes it up a notch.

Every week there were planned excursions and activities to do in the city and every few weeks we packed our bags and headed to other top locations such as Barcelona, Gibraltar, Morocco, and many others. I especially like that everything was planned, all I had to do was enjoy the ride, no planning or worry, only fun!

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

The CML staff was very well organized and knew everything there was to know about the city and how to help students adjust and get the most out of their stay. Everything from preparation before the departure, while traveling, and during every part of our stay, the staff checks in on you to make sure you are safe and have made a successful transition to life away from home. 

Not only were they there on a professional level, but also a personal level. CML staff was always eager to get to know the students and be a friend. Grab an ice cream, go for dinner, or just a quick stop to say “hello” are just a few of the many things the staff was excited to do with you. Even after completing my stay over three years ago, our friendships remain to this day.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

Bring more money. Yes, it’s true that traveling anywhere can be expensive and many people look for the cheapest option, however, if you take the plunge to travel to Europe, you don't want to cut yourself the opportunity to travel around the continent. Who knows how many times you’ll be in Europe.

My trip focused mainly on getting to know Spanish culture and practicing the language but looking back, I wouldn’t have minded a weekend trip here and there to Paris or Italy. I’m still dying to go someday! So, don't only bring the recommended amount, bring as much as possible so that you aren’t saying “no” to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

Breakfast at home before school and catch the metro to the university. Upon arriving I’d grab a coffee to enjoy during my first class. Class was a few hours in the morning, and I would finish around 2:00-3:00 in the afternoon. Then a few friends and I would eat lunch in a sunny spot outside catching up on weekend plans and sharing experiences about life abroad and living with a Spanish family.

After, I headed back home for some rest before getting started on homework. I would normally have about 1-2 hours of homework, finishing no later than 7:00 (also depending on when I started).

In the afternoon/night I would go for walks, meet friends in the downtown area or watch TV with my Spanish family and help them prepare dinner. On weekends, everything was more relaxed unless I planned a trip.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

Perhaps the best part was discovering new places and meeting new people on my own. The first few weeks I would take my map and just walk to as many places as possible. Sometimes getting lost and having to find your way around a new place is the way to really learn where things are and how to navigate the city. It’s also good for finding little places like restaurants, cafes, gift shops, unique small businesses, etc.

When I wasn’t wandering around town, I enjoyed spending my time with my host family. They are wonderful people who can take your cultural experience to the next level, so be sure to establish time for them, after all, they are letting you stay in their home. I went on many trips with them to see family, go to the beach, or just take a drive. They’ll be your family away from your family!

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

Family homestay. I lived with a small family with one 4-year old daughter. I requested to live with children as I thought we would have similar levels of Spanish, needless to say, she was much more advanced than me haha!

Living with a family provides a dimension that cannot be experienced if staying in a hotel, hostel, or another non-family arrangement. Seeing the day-to-day life and getting to know the people you live with can help see what life in Spain is really like, not as a tourist, but as a Spaniard.

I remember many nights watching TV at home and making chit chat with my host mom and dad, and of course playing with their little girl. Not to mention, the food! It’s one thing to simply eat the traditional food, but another to see how it’s prepared and take part in the culinary experience.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

Trust and rely on the organization. They’ve welcomed hundreds of parents, adults, and students of all ages get from their home to warm, sunny Seville. They know absolutely everything! It can be scary to think about traveling abroad but trust the experts, that’s what they’re there for. 

Everything from preparing legal documents, booking flights, housing, and the time during your stay, the CML staff have a well-organized, effective system to handle all matters and help you so you don’t worry. I remember feeling anxious, but Centro MundoLengua was helpful every step of the way.

Would you recommend Centro MundoLengua to others? Why?

Of course I would! Centro Mundolengua provides a well-rounded experience full of learning (about both the language, the culture, and everyday life), hands-on practice, and tons of activities and excursions.

Even not traveling extra during my time abroad, I never felt bored or left feeling like I didn’t have things to do. All the staff is friendly and frequently checked in on me; such a little detail that makes you feel totally safe in a foreign country. The complete study abroad experience is with Centro MundoLengua. If I were still a student, I’d do it again with them!

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?

Having your eyes opened. Simply put, traveling helps you see how big the world actually is and how many people occupy it. Many times, people who have never traveled are stuck in their ways and are judgmental and unaccepting of different opinions and ways, however, when you travel, it changes your perception.

You see how there are millions of people all of which each have their own way to life, sets of beliefs, language, culture, food, etc. Another wonderful consequence is discovering who you are as a person. How can you really know what you do and don’t like if you’ve lived your life in one particular way? You can’t.

But being exposed to various methods and practices help you decide for yourself how you want to live and what works best for you.

Simply put, traveling helps you see how big the world actually is and how many people occupy it.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

Indeed, it has! In fact, it was during my stay abroad when I decided to move back to Spain the following year after graduating from college. I had an indescribable time full of self-discovery, adventure, and eye-opening experiences.

I discovered another way of life that I found exciting and wanted to take part of, so I packed my bags and moved across the ocean. As I write this interview, I'm having a coffee in a café that overlooks the cathedral! I’ve made great friends and have found a new passion for traveling around the world, both of which I was lacking before having studied abroad.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Learning something new. Think about it, why do people travel? Just to look at monuments. No. There is an immense power in the historical information that draws our attention and pushes us to go visit monuments, cities, and small towns. If we weren’t interested, we wouldn’t waste our time.

But, because we are intrigued, we travel not only to see it in person but to learn from it, feel it, experience it. I’m sure you know someone who always raves about their recent trip while listing numerous facts and little details, well that’s because they learned something new that they want to share.

All this learned information can teach us a great deal about history and the present-day world. So, find a place that you’re curious about!