Proctor en Segovia: A Whole New Way of Learning

Two current Proctor en Segovia students, Maisy '26 and Ben '25, share why their peers should consider this unique study abroad opportunity in Spain, inspired by John Warner's observation about becoming "entirely captured by something new," and then being "so excited by it, we can't help but try to spread the word, an evangelist for this new thing we love." In their reflections for Shelby Wischan's English class, they highlight how living in Segovia has expanded their horizons through daily Spanish conversations, navigating historic cobblestone streets independently, experiencing vibrant nightlife absent in rural New Hampshire, and discovering cuisine along Calle Real. While stepping outside their comfort zones initially felt daunting, the resulting growth in confidence, language skills, and perspective has been invaluable, with Ben noting that "learning isn't just inside a classroom" but "everywhere you are" in Segovia. These personal accounts make a compelling case for why future Proctor students should seize this off-campus program opportunity. Read more below!

Maisy '26 - Captivated by Segovia's Culture

Time flies here in Segovia; walking through this gorgeous, historical town, taking classes with your friends, and going on excursions to places with such rich cultures, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world right now.

The beauty of this city will capture you first—the cobblestone streets and elegant buildings—and then the culture will amaze you. What I love most about the culture is the nightlife, something I rarely get to experience in rural New Hampshire. The city will be bustling with tourists, locals, and kids well into the night. Not to mention the McDonalds here—a hot spot for teens, especially on the weekends—which is not only healthier but also always packed. 

The food, in general, although not always very different from American food, is delicious. On Calle Real (the street most of the group takes to school) alone, there are more than enough places to get good food to keep you busy for weeks. 

Summed up, I don't think Proctor could have picked a better place to have a study abroad program than Segovia.

Ben '25 - A Whole New Way of Learning

You need to do this! Seriously, if you even have a slight thought about wanting to go to Segovia, I recommend that you lean into that thought and seize the opportunity. Not that long ago, I was deciding whether or not I wanted to go on Proctor en Segovia. It was scary to think of the idea of studying abroad in Spain. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be very difficult to do, but in my experience, you almost always end up happier doing it.

 

Class here in Segovia is completely different from that in Andover; here, the learning isn't just inside a classroom. Instead, it's everywhere you are. Whether you're walking down the street listening to other people speaking Spanish, talking with your host family during meals, or trying to order food without messing up, here in Segovia, you are getting a hands-on learning experience in the best way possible. After being here for just a couple short weeks, I've grown in ways I didn't expect. I'm more independent, more confident in speaking Spanish, even when I'm making mistakes, and more open minded. 

But for me, the things I enjoy doing most here in Segovia are the little things: walking with friends, navigating a new city, and trying new foods. These moments are special to me and have helped me change the way that I see learning. If you're thinking you might not be ready for this, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and take a chance on studying abroad in Segovia. 

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