ORIENTATION OVERVIEW

By Hanz Berduo

University of Illinois at Chicago

Having the opportunity to study abroad can be viewed primarily as the ability to visit a new place and be able to instantly become accustomed to the area and live in the new country with ease. However, this is not the case. One must be introduced to the different aspects and fundamentals a new country has to offer. It also might be possible that visiting a country may cause confusion within an individuals state of mind and he or she may forget who he or she represents, their affiliations, or overall the individuals purpose of being in the enthralling new location. It must be noted that CIEE has done a wonderful job of being able to target those issues that a foreigner may feel during the first stages of a new adventure and expedition. Now living in Spain for two weeks, CIEE has made sure that the students, who have made an appearance to whichever program, feel welcomed to this new, majestic place with open arms. Students receive unconditional attention and care for unstable assurance and the many emotions a foreigner may feel during the first few stages. The transition to living in Spain from the United States has been facilitated by the comforting transition that is acquired and provided by the staff of CIEE. Thus, any paternal or maternal figure should know that his or her child is in good hands that can further be described as responsible, organized, and attentive to the needs of any student encountered by emotional distress.

            In addition, the safety of living in Spain is multiplied sufficiently by the introduction of our surroundings that create a solidified awareness of different locations as well as the importance of the country’s culture and norms. All this allows the student to avoid unnecessary confrontations with deviants of its society as well as saying the wrong thing to whoever is participating in the communication process with a foreigner. CIEE did show the student to learn to become less ignorant to the environment and as mentioned, the culture that exists as something very unfamiliar to one who has never considered such differences. This cultural education indefinitely allows the student to take a few steps further towards an enlightened form of living.

            Furthermore, with the help of CIEE, the new students are fortunate enough to be introduced to the many local attractions and areas of interest that cuts out a significant portion of time that an individual explorer must spend in finding these luminous places. All the sight seeing occurs during a faster rate so that more can be seen during, as it seems, such a limited timeframe. There is never enough to see, you just want more and more! This maintains the feelings of anticipation and surprise that allows the student to capture these moments with true significance that will be kept as memories forever. With all the benefits that CIEE has provided, it must also be noted that from all this assistance, the student forms a greater incentive to learn more about the new country and to explore much more than that individual had expected. Therefore, the journey that the student experiences, becomes more legitimate and genuine.