As students prepared to leave their host families and return to New Hampshire, they were asked to reflect on their nine-week term living and learning in Spain – what surprised them, what they learned, and what advice they would pass along to future Proctor en Segovia students. Their responses share some common themes, including the recognition that growth requires patience. Whether describing the arc from Google Translate dependence to confident conversation, learning to appreciate 9:30 p.m. dinners, or finding joy in the laughter that follows a mistake, these students found that adjustment happens on its own timeline. Read more from Libby B. '27, Holden K. '27, and Colter '27 below!
Libby B. ’27 - Advice to Future Proctor en Segovia Students
Reflecting on my term in Spain reminds me of how I came here and how I’m leaving. At the beginning of the trip, I was nervous and the summer break didn’t seem to help my Spanish. I remember the bus ride after the long trip, watching the most beautiful sunrise as Shelby began to hand out host families’ names. It had all begun to feel extremely real, but in moments like this, it was easiest to think about the fun that would come within the two months.
This trip comes with lots of ups and downs; for me, this has been especially true with my host mom, Julia. She is very kind and has two daughters of her own, but now she lives alone. At first, I didn’t know the best way to make a simple conversation with her, as my Spanish only went so far. In the beginning, I found myself reaching for Google Translate more times than I am proud to admit. However, I’ve come to realize that this is a normal step in the process of learning a new language. The learning process will never be a linear line always inclining. I have found moments where Spanish completely leaves my mind, despite being surrounded by it all the time. It’s frustrating to feel like you can’t communicate with your family, but in my experience, Julia has been extremely patient. Now, I am much more confident in my Spanish that I can’t remember the last time I had to translate something. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself the process won’t always be linear, but that it also won’t be in the same place it was when you began.
For students thinking about applying to Proctor en Segovia, it has been one of the best things I have done so far. As a skier, I am fortunate enough to be able to travel with my team often, but this was a completely different experience. It tests your ability to make choices for yourself, but also your ability to adapt and live with a stranger who doesn’t speak the same language as you. These opportunities as a day student are extremely important and valuable because I don’t get the chance to be independent as much as boarders do. Even so, this experience is far different than anything a day student or boarder would experience. For some, the thought of living with a host family is extremely daunting, as it was for me. I avoided the thought of it all summer, and when people asked me about the trip, I would say, “I’m excited for everything but the host family.” I have since realized that it hasn’t been bad whatsoever. So, for future applicants, my advice is to keep an open mind, don’t let minor details change your mind about something that is so amazing and influential.
While wrapping up my experience here, I am grateful to have had the one I did. My group, in particular, was lucky enough to be a group of amazing people where we all got along. The group is influential on a trip like this, but looking back, I feel very fortunate to have had these people with me. Proctor en Segovia has been like nothing I have ever done before, and I feel extremely lucky to have been able to do it. If I could give my past self advice, it would be exactly what I would give to future students: have an open mind, and progress won’t be linear.
Holden K. ’27 - On Cultural Norms
What's a cultural norm in Spain that you find surprising, and what's one that you've come to appreciate?
One cultural norm in Spain that I have found surprising is how late everything happens. Every night I eat dinner around 9:30, compared to the dining hall, where I would be eating around 5:30. Walking home from study hall at 9 o'clock, the streets are littered with kids playing soccer and playing while families eat dinner outside. At first, it felt weird and took some time to get used to, but now I understand it's just part of the culture. It ties back to people enjoying meals and conversation, and not rushing through anything.
Lunch can last up to an hour, not just eating but talking and sharing stories. Every day at lunch, my host dad and I watch La ruleta de la suerte, which is basically the Spanish version of Wheel of Fortune. In the beginning, I found it kind of boring, but now I like it and usually end up learning something new. Meals are a time to relax and catch up with family or friends. It made me slow down and enjoy the moment instead of rushing and stressing about what comes next in the day. Nowadays, I look forward to the downtime during meals and find them to be one of the best parts of my day.
Colter ’27 - A Sense of Self
I remember my first morning in Spain quite vividly. Attempting to talk to my host family in broken Spanish while being jetlagged. I quickly realized that this would be my reality for the next two months. Yet I remembered why I decided to come to Spain: to go outside my comfort zone and to push myself. I did not realize how quickly I would find out things about myself that I had not known before.
Spain forced me to slow down and think before speaking, before reacting; it made me aware of how automatic and safe my routines used to be. Everyday things, such as ordering food or having general conversations, became challenges that pushed my comfort zones. The biggest thing I had learned about myself was the importance of taking time to enjoy solitude, not loneliness. I wanted some time to myself, whether that meant going for a walk and listening to music or finding a quiet place to journal and reflect. It's time for me to reflect on how truly special living abroad really is. A factor that contributed to my desire for solitude was being with the same people for almost two months straight. Tensions can arise in such situations, yet taking a step back and reflecting helped me be more present in the moment.
I learned that imperfections happen frequently when you are not speaking your native language. Sometimes, I had to just laugh at myself. I found that trying to be perfect hurt me more than helped me. An example for me is speaking to my host family; sometimes I find myself trying to formulate the ideal sentence, which takes away from the moment. I realized that if I say a sentence that is not perfect, my host family still understands what I am trying to say, and in fact, they help me by correcting me. Instead of trying to be perfect all the time, I was happy with the laughter that came after I said something wrong. I found that being patient with myself and rolling with the bumps that come with being imperfect gave me an experience like no other.
As the final days approach, I will forever be grateful for this experience. I will take with me a new confidence and the proof that growth often begins where comfort ends.
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