For pre-med students, with all the lab and course requirements, finding time for a study abroad experience can be a challenge. When Chayse Nunciato ’27, a pre-med track biology major and Spanish minor in the Honors College, learned about a four-week study abroad program in southern Spain that fit into her schedule, she jumped at the opportunity.
Not only did she get to take two three-credit courses that would apply toward her minor, but she received the LCWA General Scholarship to help defray costs. In addition to taking Spanish Conversation Abroad and the History of Spain, which Nunciato loved because they went on lots of field trips, each week they had activities ranging from cooking classes to kayaking.
For Nunciato, stayingwith a host family in Seville who spoke no English, gave her a fully immersive experience and helped take her Spanish to a new level.
“My host family really introduced me to the culture,” she says. “I felt that by the end of the month I could communicate fully with them.”
She also appreciated how involved Devon Hanahan ’87, senior instructor, and Colleen Moorman, instructor, of Hispanic studies, were with the students.
“You can tell they really cared about us; they really helped with homesickness,” she says.
For Hanahan being involved was a cinch. “Chayse was a delight- cheerful, super-diligent and responsible as well as fun, warmhearted and devoted to immersing herself in the culture and the use of Spanish. I could not have asked for better, and the trip would not have been the same without her!”
Back on campus, Nunciato plans to share her experience as a Charleston 40 tour guide. She wants to make sure that other students know that study abroad is possible, even with a demanding course load.
Student interested in studying abroad should check out the study abroad scholarships.