Contributed/ETSU Study Abroad Facebook

Six students from East Tennessee State University are spending the semester abroad in Spain, immersing themselves in new cultures, languages and academic systems while gaining experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

The group is split between Madrid and Córdoba, with three students in each city. Among them is Charlie Dorset, a political science student, and Emma Hatcher, a double major in marketing and Spanish, both of whom say the experience has been transformative.

“I think it’s just really interesting,” Dorset said. “It’s an experience everyone should be able to have where you can immerse yourself in different worldwide cultures.”

Hatcher said her decision to study abroad in Spain was years in the making.

“I knew I wanted to study abroad in Spain when I was in high school,” she said. “As I took more classes about Spanish culture, I realized that Spain is where I wanted to be.”

Hatcher is studying in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, where she said the cultural blend of historical influences has stood out.

“I get to see a lot of Islamic influences in southern Spain and how that meshes with Catholicism,” she said. “It’s very interesting.”

Both students emphasized the importance of cultural immersion in their programs. Dorset noted that his classes include mostly local and international students, which has pushed him outside his comfort zone.

“In one of my classes, I’m one of only two American students,” Dorset said. “Everyone else is from Spain or elsewhere in Europe.”

Hatcher echoed that sentiment, saying interactions with locals have been one of the most meaningful aspects of her experience.

“The people here are the kindest people I’ve ever met,” she said. “When I mess up speaking Spanish, they’re patient and want to help.”

She recalled moments of unexpected kindness, including a shopkeeper who gave her extra hangers for her apartment and a stranger who bought her breakfast just to share a conversation.

“That’s just so common,” Hatcher said. “People here are so nice, and it’s such a slower way of life.”

The academic environment has also presented a noticeable shift from ETSU. Dorset said Spanish universities often place heavy emphasis on final exams, while Hatcher described less structured schedules and longer lecture periods.

“You don’t always know if class will be two or three hours,” Hatcher said. “The professors just lecture, and it’s a very different experience.”

Despite these differences, both students said the challenges have contributed to their growth. Dorset pointed to adapting to a new academic structure, while Hatcher said being far from home has been her biggest obstacle.

“I’m 4,000 miles away from my family and my dogs,” Hatcher said. “That’s probably been the hardest part.”

Still, she emphasized that the environment feels safe and supportive, and that maintaining connections with loved ones has helped her adjust.

Both students said the experience has reshaped their perspectives. Dorset said studying abroad has encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone, while Hatcher said it has shown her a different pace of life.

“Everything is so much slower here,” Hatcher said. “People take time to enjoy life and each other, and it’s really refreshing.”

The experience is also preparing them for future careers. Dorset said becoming bilingual and gaining confidence will be critical as he pursues a career in law, while Hatcher emphasized cultural competency and communication skills.

“Being able to interact with people whose lives look completely different from mine is a skill I’ll use in the workplace,” Hatcher said.

Although the six ETSU students are spread across two cities, they remain connected. Dorset said the group has built a strong community by combining friendships formed abroad, while Hatcher said having fellow ETSU students nearby has provided support.

“We’ve taken care of each other over here a lot,” Hatcher said. “It’s been the best experience to have people by your side.”

Both students offered similar advice for others considering studying abroad: take the leap.

“Just do it,” Dorset said. “It’s the best thing you’ll ever do for yourself.”

Hatcher agreed.

“Sign up for it,” she said. “It’s the best thing you’ll ever do.”

As the semester continues, the six ETSU students are not only gaining academic credit but also building global perspectives and lifelong memories — experiences they say will stay with them long after they return to Tennessee.

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