Rattlers Without Borders: Florida A&M University Students Reflect on Study Abroad Opportunity in Spain
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on July 30, 2025 From the red clay of Tallahassee to the cobblestone streets of Salamanca, Spain, Florida A&M University students are expanding their horizons, literally. Through study abroad programs offered by the university, Rattlers are learning more than just course content; they’re discovering cultures, challenging their comfort zones, and building a global mindset. Dyiamon Robinson, a second-year honors psychology scholar, studied abroad in Spain as part of a three-week summer program organized by the Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC). While many study abroad opportunities are tied directly to students' majors, Robinson's program focused more broadly on cultural immersion and leadership development. “I learned a lot about how to navigate different cultures,” Robinson shared. “As someone planning to go into law, I’ll be working with people from all backgrounds. Being able to adapt and understand different ways of life is something this experience really taught me.” Robinson took two courses while abroad: Cultural Leadership and Spanish History. While the leadership course helped her explore how cultural appreciation connects to community leadership, the history class deepened her understanding of Spain’s rich past, which sprang to life through on-site learning at historical monuments and cities across the country. "It wasn't just learning in a classroom," she said. "We learned about the history, and then went and saw it. That was one of the best parts." Like many FAMU students, Robinson’s initial hesitation about affordability and comfort was eased by the structure and support of the program. “I was nervous at first,” she admitted. “Living with a host family, eating their food, being fully immersed, it sounded way out of my comfort zone. But it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done.” Affordability and Opportunity Affordability is often a major concern for students considering international travel, but FAMU offers solutions. For students like Robinson, the Honors Program covered most expenses, leaving her to only pay for the flight. “My program was paid for through the honors program; we just had to pay for our flight,” she explained. “Compared to other programs that can cost $5,000 or more, that was a huge difference.” Natalie Word, a study abroad coordinator at FAMU, says, “We’re constantly working to make studying abroad more affordable through scholarships, grants, and partnerships. We want students to know that international education is for everyone, not just those who can easily afford it.” She added, "Students come back more confident, adaptable, and culturally aware. It changes how they see themselves and the world." Personal Transformation Nylah Brown, a second-year architecture student studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, experienced more than just a change of scenery; it gave real-world meaning to her education. "Seeing a lot of the architecture I'm learning about… that in itself was amazing," Brown said. "Sometimes in school, you feel disconnected from what you're learning. But being able to touch the buildings, walk through them, and experience the design in real time, it felt like the ultimate lab.” Brown shared that the trip also reshaped how she views time, work, and personal well-being. “In the U.S., everything is fast-paced. It’s go, go, go. But in Europe, they prioritize people, especially family," she said. "They even have siesta time, where things shut down so you can go home, rest, and eat with family. It was such a shift, making me realize how toxic our busy lifestyle can be." That cultural contrast inspired her to reevaluate her habits. “Coming back, I want to build time for myself into my schedule. You just function better when you’re not constantly overwhelmed,” she said. Brown also gained clarity on the importance of support systems. She emphasized that studying abroad doesn’t have to be financially out of reach. "Ours was paid for by the Honors Program, which was a blessing," she said. "But even if it's not, you can talk to the Office of International Studies, reach out to your network, or even start a GoFundMe. People will support you if you ask." Brown had one message for students hesitant to step outside their comfort zones: go anyway. “That’s the whole point of studying abroad: experiencing a culture that’s different from your own. I came back with a better understanding of myself and the world,” she said. “Everything I got from the trip was positive. I grew. And I think that’s a beautiful thing.” Expanding Understanding Through Psychology Darian Walton, a third-year psychology scholar, also participated in the Honors LLC trip to Spain. He described the experience as eye-opening, especially as a future forensic psychologist. “Being in a place like Spain, which has a very low crime rate, really expanded my thought process on basic human interactions,” Walton explained. “It helped me understand human behavior in a more neutral setting, without constant exposure to crime, and made me realize that as a psychologist, I’ll be working with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, not just black and white people.” The trip even reshaped Walton’s view on education. “Our professor told us about how rigorous Spain’s education system is compared to America’s,” she said. “It actually made me appreciate the U.S. school system more, especially when it comes to student flexibility and mental health.” Cultural differences also had a major impact on Walton. She described a time when she observed the social behaviors of locals at a fast-food restaurant. “They were just so loud and so close to each other; it’s like personal space isn’t really a thing over there,” she said. “It wasn’t a bad thing, just different. It made me reflect on how I act in public spaces and how Americans might be perceived in other countries.” Walton strongly encourages hesitant students to consider studying abroad and praises the honors program's support. “They helped with everything; affordability, comfort, and checking in on our mental health,” she said. “They made sure we were roomed with people we liked, planned group outings, and regularly asked about how we were adjusting. If you’re scared to take the leap, my advice is: just do it.” Looking Ahead FAMU offers a variety of study abroad experiences, from major-specific programs to broader cultural exchanges. Destinations in recent years have included Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, and Italy. The university's Office of International Education and Development (OIED) in Perry-Paige provides advising, information sessions, and scholarship support for interested students. As part of its mission, OIED works to ensure that more FAMU students, especially first-generation college students and students of color, see global learning as attainable. For Robinson, her time abroad gave her more than memories. It gave her a clearer view of her identity and direction. “It’s not just a flex, it’s a life-changing experience,” she said. “You come back with a new lens on everything.” For those interested in studying abroad, be on the lookout for the Next Study Abroad Fair at Al Lawson Gymnasium on October 1, 2025. For more information about studying abroad, contact the Office of International Education and Development or visit https://www.famu.edu/students/internationa... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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