Summer Study Abroad Experience

Questions and Answers

What was Joe's job in Madrid?

A language teacher

An intern at the U.S. embassy (correct)

A museum curator

A walking tour guide

Joe spent most of his weekends in Spain with his friends.

False

What was Joe's favorite thing to do in Spain?

Walking around by himself

Joe visited many museums in Spain, including those featuring the works of _______________.

Diego Velázquez Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator react when Joe said Velázquez was a Romantic painter?

She rolled her eyes Signup and view all the answers

The narrator enjoyed hearing about Joe's experiences in Spain.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases with the correct context:

I liked walking around by myself = Joe's experience in Spain You wouldn't get it. You have to see it in person = Joe's experience in Spain I can never live in the U.S. again = A difference between the U.S. and Europe Signup and view all the answers

The narrator's friend Emma had made her a veteran of _______________________ conversations.

study abroad Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Conversation

The narrator catches up with Joe, who has just returned from studying abroad in Spain and is eager to share his experiences.
Joe talks about his internship at the U.S. embassy in Madrid and his excitement about seeing democracy in action abroad.
He apologizes for using terms like "visa" and "expat" that the narrator might not know.

Joe's Cultural Experiences

Joe spent his weekends absorbing Spain's culture by taking solo walking tours of the city.
He enjoyed walking alone, feeling grounded in the place, and connecting with the locals.
He visited museums and was moved by Diego Velázquez's works, considering him one of the greatest Romantic painters.
The narrator corrects Joe, pointing out that Velázquez was actually a Baroque painter.

The Stereotype of Study Abroad Students

Some study abroad students may romanticize the European lifestyle and think they can never live in the U.S. again.
These wannabe expatriates often idealize Europe and think they've found a deeper connection to the continent.
It's possible to poke fun at these students in a lighthearted way.
To deal with a study abroad student, identify their archetype and prepare accordingly, tailoring your approach to their experiences abroad.