Has it Really Been One Month?

It seriously seems like yesterday when I wrote my two week anniversary post, and now I've been here for one month?  Crazy!  Time is just flying by.  The remaining month will go so quickly with more schoolwork and trips planned.  Here's just a little reflection half-way into my study abroad.

When I planned on arriving in Spain, my major goal was to become really good at speaking Spanish.  I'm a pretty decent writer and reader, but I always felt that my speaking skills couldn't compare.  Now that I've been here a month, I'm starting to see many improvements in my Spanish!  My pronunciation is becoming more authentic, and I'm able to speak a bit more fluidly.  My vocabulary has grown exponentially since we seriously learn at least 15 new words a day in classes.  I also feel that I'm learning words that native speakers actually say, compared to textbook Spanish.

I'm most proud of how much I'm participating in class.  Back in high school and still in college, I often hesitate to raise my hand and answer questions.  I'm a totally new, talkative person here!  I try to speak at least once per class everyday.  I'm sure this is one of the reasons why my Spanish is improving.  Even if I'm not completely right, I offer my opinion anyway.  I really hope I can transfer this new attitude on participation back to the United States.

During these past few weeks, our group overall has gotten pretty homesick.  Surprisingly, it hasn't hit me yet.  It is hard being so far away from my family and friends, but I feel so connected to them despite our distance.  I talk to my mom multiple times a day (through Facebook, email, texting, and Skype), and it's easy to keep in touch with friends through Facebook.  I do wish it was easier with Skype since my internet connection isn't always working effectively.

I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I really do enjoy writing about my trip, so thank you for reading about my Spanish adventures.  If you ever have any questions about Spain/studying abroad, please feel free to ask!  If there's a specific topic you would like me to write about, I'd love to know, too!