What I learned about study abroad this summer...

This blog sounds a bit like a middle school diary, but our journeys through life are a bit like that. We begin in one place, circle around and then come back.

This summer I was blessed with receiving two grants to study abroad. My course of study had three different focuses. First was my further exploration of Flamenco as a dance artist and singer. Yes, I said singer! While I don’t consider myself an official Flamenco singer, no one who studies Flamenco seriously cannot study the cante, too! Structure, history, story; it is all encompassed in the song.

Next, I studied four hours a day Spanish language. While it is helpful to be fluent in Spanish to learn Flamenco in Spain, it is definitely not mandatory. So much of what we do in dance is kinesthetic and can solely be followed. But, what I have found through my language studies is an additional strengthening tie to culture, food and story. How does a language communicate meaning? How we use our words is important.

Finally, study abroad is a way to create a community. Not only did I have fellow Flamenco fans from the Boise community there with me to share the love of all things Spanish and in Granada, but the number of stories I could tell you about interactions, help, near collisions and experiencing daily life with others over food and drink are numerous. We are social creatures! Experiences like the ones I enjoyed this summer (even the horrific jellyfish sting in Italy) make up growth opportunities and opportunities to connect with others. I am grateful, I am growing and I am still on that path of discovery… just like I was in 4-H camp as a 12 year old.