Alexandra Dionisi

“During Summer 2024, I studied abroad at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. I took two classes: Gastronomic Culture of Spain and Advanced Spanish Conversation. Thanks to Ramapo’s agreement with Deusto, both classes transferred back as electives, allowing me to avoid an extra semester. This incredible opportunity was made possible by the Gilman Scholarship, and I am deeply grateful to Paola, Dr. Martinez, and Advisor Trish for their guidance and support. I encourage every Roadrunner to consider studying abroad—the resources are there for everyone, including the adult learners like me who attend Ramapo fully online.

The application process for both my program and scholarships was straightforward, with plenty of support from Ramapo staff. As my departure date approached, I was filled with excitement and a touch of anxiety. On June 20, 2024, I embraced my chosen family at the airport and boarded the plane, ready for an adventure. The red-eye flight to Madrid was exhausting, but I was eager to immerse myself in a new culture that I believed I was familiar with after years of research and study.

Arriving in Spain, I was warmly greeted by the staff from Deusto, including the program director, Itziar, and an inspiring American professor, Sara, who had been living in Spain for 30 years. Meeting my fellow students, I initially felt out of place among a younger group but quickly connected with a remarkable classmate, Gulie, a polyglot with a passion for learning Spanish to discover more about herself and to teach it. Our shared experiences and efforts to communicate in Spanish deepened our bond and made the journey more enjoyable. She really was someone that I was able to depend on during this trip and we still keep in touch to this day.

The City of Bilbao, with its lush green hills bordering the Cantabrian Sea, was a striking contrast to the empty and arid landscapes we passed on the way. Adjusting to life with my host mum presented challenges, as cultural differences and language barriers tested both of our patience and adaptability. Despite the difficulties, I focused on my studies, which included creating way too many PowerPoint presentations with classmates and learning about Vizcaya’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Not every moment was easy—I faced homesickness, cultural misunderstandings, and moments of self-doubt. However, these experiences taught me resilience and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. Reflecting on the trip, I recognize how much I grew as a person and as a student. While I would choose a different destination looking back, I gained invaluable insights about myself and the world around me.

To any student considering studying abroad, my advice is to embrace the adventure with an open mind and heart. Consider destinations that align with your personal interests and identities, especially those outside the typical study-abroad hotspots. The journey will challenge you, but it will also shape you in ways you couldn’t imagine. Apply for all of the scholarships you can: including the Gilman International Scholarship. Start your journey at the Roukema Center—you won’t regret it!” – Alexandra Dionisi ’25 is a Social Science major who received the Gilman Scholarship and is involved in the Non Traditional Students’ Mutual Aid Network. She received her Associate’s Degree from Cumberland County College.

Program:

CIDE University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain