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Alumni Interview with Ecco Driscoll

Linguistic Horizons Alumni Interview

Visiting Portugal!

Ecco Driscoll is a 19 year old student in Berkeley, California pursuing a career in Linguistics. In 2014, Ecco participated in our summer Spanish immersion study abroad program. In the Fall of 2014, she then began her first semester of college with us studying at the Universidade Da Coruna. One day, she would like to be the editor of some type of literary magazine. She says that “Learning Spanish in such an immersive way only furthered my love and appreciation for language.”

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Ecco with friends at the queimada ceremony

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad? Nicole took us on a weekend trip to las Islas Cies, a chain of islands off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia. The water is freezing but the vistas are so incredibly beautiful.. white sandy beaches and light blue water… we spent the weekend resting on the beach, practicing our Spanish at the local restaurant and trying new foods.

What advice would you give future Linguistic Horizons students? Don’t be afraid to jump into the program! It can be scary at first, and utilizing your Spanish skills can be nerve wracking, but it’s totally worth it!

Taking a boat to Isla de Ons!
Taking a boat to Isla de Ons!

How did your experience abroad impact your life? It opened up my eyes to just how big the world is. There are so many amazing things to see, do and immerse yourself in. This program is especially good at immersion, it’s a true Spanish experience.

How was your Spanish when you started the program versus when you left? When I first arrived in Galicia my Spanish had a strong foundation but I would get scared about speaking out loud. By the time I left I was speaking to my local Spanish friends almost fluently and having the time of my life doing so!

Orientation Day!
Orientation Day!

Anything else you’d like to share? Nicole is so helpful, fun, and has so much to teach about Spanish culture. Throughout the course of your stay she becomes not only a teacher and leader but also a friend. I think back to my time in Galicia and cannot wait to go back.

Request more info about opportunities to go abroad!

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