AIDE participant, Patrick McGurrin, recently returned from his internship in Vejer, Spain. Patrick decided he wanted a more authentic experience by immersing himself in small town culture in Spain. Read his review below for a glimpse into his trip:
The opportunity to immerse myself in a culture entirely unlike my own was unreal. Spain offered an escape from the American customs that I have always known and introduced me to the heart of Spanish culture. Vejer led me off the map into a small coastal town. The people were more than eager to help me better my Spanish skills, and wanted nothing more than a friendly chat in return. In no time I felt like a local.
My internship landed me working for a small company working with the handicapped children of Vejer. My co-workers welcomed me from day one. Within the workplace, they allowed me to do as much as my comfort level and language ability would allow. I tutored math and grammar, played games, and helped with physical therapy sessions.
My co-workers became more than workmates, they became close and long-lasting friends. Anxious to show me the town and the surrounding sites, excited to help me experience all the highlights of a true Spanish lifestyle. This included everything from bars, beaches, and music, to religion, sports, and food. They introduced me to the best local spots around town.
I have to be honest, the change to Spanish style food was easy, and it was the readjustment to American food that gave me the trouble. Venturing out for dinner at 10 or 11 was one of my favorite changes. Food often was served as small portions, tapas, which offered the opportunity to enjoy a nice variety of the Spanish food. Vejer, being so close to the coast, had the perk of cheap (and delicious!) seafood.
Vejer was a trip of a lifetime and I am hopeful for an opportunity to return. In the meantime, I continue to chat with many of the friends I came to know, keeping in touch quite often. As far as I’m concerned I left Spain with the heart of a true Spanish local, and that being said I don’t think I could have asked for anything more.
