It is wild to think that it is already week five and that week six is about to start. This program is going by faster than I imagined, and my time here has taught me many lessons as well as things I potentially want/need in my future. The biggest culture shift I have experienced is how things open later in the day and that people tend to have dinner around nine or eleven at night. In the United States around that time, I would usually be asleep, but I have adapted to the nightlife and have gotten used to resting a little during the day before going out again. Segovia and other parts of Spain are walkable, which is great considering my disability. Places are super accessible, and I am able to get around on my own for the most part. Before this program, I already knew prior to graduating from UO that I would have to live in a walkable and accessible city—this program has proven that to me furthermore that it is definitely a must.
Image
Traveling around Spain has been fun and exciting. The buses and trains are super convenient when it comes to getting around; I’d, of course, encourage people to travel in groups before trying to go solo since everything being in a different language can be challenging and the stations are quite large. I am trying to grow throughout this experience. Whether that is trying new foods or improving my Spanish, it is important to me that I learn something new about myself, the environment, and overall, the world. This program has been the best decision I have made thus far of 2025.
Image
Ariel Carreon, Diverse Ducks Ambassador