Santa Clara University

Jacqueline Reynoza '10

Peer Advisor: Solidarity Programs Coordinator

My name is Jackie Reynoza and I am the Peer Advisor in charge of outreach efforts about Solidarity Programs abroad through the International Programs Office. One of my duties is to outreach to the first-generation college students such as the students in the LEAD program. I was part of the LEAD program in the Fall of 06, when it was called the Bridge Program. I had a great experience with the staff and the students. It was very helpful to have an immediate, small group of people to help ease the stress and anxiety about going to college. Since that Fall of 06 I have been able to accomplish things that I never thought were possible. Being accepted into a university and being the first in my family to attend a university was a huge accomplishment for me as it was, so to have been able to do things such as study abroad, was absolutely amazing. 

I had hesitated in even considering study abroad because of issues such as, financial aid and family, even though it was something that I had been interested in. I knew that I didn't have the money and that convincing my family to support my decision was going to be difficult. My family wanted me to go to school so that I could one day attain a great career that made good money. They wanted me to have more than what they ever had. This meant that "luxuries" such as, studying abroad, were only for rich people who liked to travel. My parents didn't understand how studying abroad would be beneficial to me in an educational way. I went against their advice and tried to see if I could make studying abroad a reality instead of just a dream. I went to the study abroad office and was met by welcoming and enthusiastic people who were more than willing to help me find a way to study abroad. They told me how I could finance it with my university scholarships, financial aid, and outside scholarships. By this means, I was able to finance study abroad and travel around Europe. It was the best experience of my life. I saw things and landmarks that I would never have imagined seeing at the age of 20. I learned a lot about myself and grew as an independent and global person. It is an experience that I wish everyone could have, so I decided to do something that allowed me to encourage students to study abroad.

I applied for a peer advisor job in the Study Abroad office so that I could do my best to reach out to those students who have a desire to study abroad, but feel like it's not a possibility due to financial issues and/or family issues. My hope is to be able to speak to the LEAD students and answer any questions that they have about studying abroad. Let me know if I can ever be of any help for information about study abroad.

 

---What were the deciding factors in choosing your study abroad program-location?---

One of the factors in deciding to study abroad in the IES Madrid, Spain program was that I wanted to improve my Spanish skills. I have also had a great interest in Spain, so I wanted to learn more about the culture, the people, and their way of life. I chose the city because I grew up in a small town and wanted a different scene. Another reason for having chosen Madrid was that it is one of the most multiracial communities in Spain. I wanted to get a feel of the realities of migration into Spain and how the Spanish deal with it on a daily basis. I also just wanted to travel and learn more about Spanish history.

 

---What have you learned from your study abroad experiences that have contributed to your personal, vocational, or academic growth?---
I have learned a broader sense of cultural understanding and language. I have also learned a different way of living. It was also interesting to learn the stereotypes that others had on Americans and other foreigners. Studying abroad also taught me that there is more out there than the life I know in America. In general, it opened up my eyes to another culture, which was an enriching experience for me.

 

---What advises, recommendations would you give to prospective study abroad students? In retrospect, how would you prepare differently to maximize the study abroad experience?---
I would recommend the prospective students to go with an open mind and not get discouraged within the first overwhelming days. Also don't rely on the program to provide you with the experience that you want to have. Take advantage of all they have to offer, but also go look for your own opportunities. Have fun and go out, but also take the time to go out of your comfort zone and explore the area. Meet the locals and try to stay away from the overly populated American places. Be mindful of the culture and also of the limited time that you have to experience it. The time flies, so take advantage of everyday that you have.