Job Search While Abroad

     Last fall I was faced with the decision to either study abroad sophomore, junior, or senior year.  Since I play soccer, I realistically could only study abroad in the spring.  I think everyone can agree that no one wants to study abroad spring semester senior year.  If I chose sophomore year my program would be with the liberal arts college of Emory University, but my junior year program would be with Goizueta Business School of Emory (I am a Business & Spanish double major.)  A GBS advisor posed the question, “Are you willing to sacrifice your dream internship junior year for study abroad?”  My answer: No (obviously) I wanted to live out both of my dreams… Sophomore year was the winner.


     Even though I am only a sophomore, I am still trying to find a rewarding and challenging internship this summer.  I have realized that searching for a job while abroad is definitely more difficult but not impossible.  Taking the risk to study abroad, being bilingual, and overcoming the challenges of communication and adaptation are all attractive qualities to employers.  While some may disregard your application because they can not interview you in person, if you are a qualified candidate most companies won’t mind taking you into consideration.  That being said, here are a few guidelines for the job search while abroad:

• Start Early: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn are up to date BEFORE you leave.  This means updating your temporary address & contact info as well as adding in your abroad experience J
• Make sure you cover letter states that you are abroad
• Network: ask program alumni what they did, get in contact with alumni in your abroad country, talk to friends, family members, connections, etc.
• Utilize School Resources: Use your university’s job website and alumni network
• Don’t be afraid to apply abroad: who wouldn’t want to extend their study abroad experience? Reach out to local companies.  You could even translate your resume.
• Skype, FaceTime, International Phone: The more accessible you are, the better.  A company should not and will not jump through hoops to get in contact with you.  Keep in mind potential obstacles, such as bad service or weak wifi connections, and pick what option functions BEST. 
• Act as though it is an in person interview: Dress appropriately; make sure the background is neat, test the wifi before the interview, etc.  Below is a link on Skype interviews.
• 10 Tips to Avoid Bombing Your Skype Interview
• Time difference: **Not every country has the same daylight saving time. I know why doesn’t every country just do it on the same day right? Do they want us to miss our videoconferences??

Happy job hunting!!!

Tough Times:Future of Spanish Youth is Grim

     In recent light of student strikes in Madrid similar to the Wall Street Strikes in America, I wanted to give an update from Spain.  Contrary to the American system where private education is generally stronger than public education (demonstrated by the top universities in America,) in Spain it is the opposite.  If you have to pay for education, you didn't work hard enough/ weren't smart enough to earn it (they prefer their public health care too but that's another story.)  Recently, the government has significantly cut funding for education causing:

• Less scholarships
• Decrease in overall students
• Increased financial burden on remaining students
• Increased class sizes
• Less motivation to go to school/ perform well because 26% unemployment rate (in general) means there is no promise of return on their investment

In this situation, living at home is more tempting than ever.

     The Spanish youth in particular is going through very difficult times.  They are paying for the mistakes of politicians, bankers, and irresponsible borrowers. The brightest/luckiest youngsters find work abroad, meaning that the government's investment is being realized outside their borders to improve foreign economies.

    In order for change to take place, young adults need to accept the situation, and persevere.  They must work for free and gain the experience, do anything to differentiate themselves from their competition.  As if we haven't heard it before, the future is in their hands.

Spaniards love the tapas: Meal schedule

     The Spanish eating schedule is as follows:

• 7-8am Light breakfast: toast and coffee
• 11-12pm Coffee
• 2-4pm Lunch: Biggest meal of the day & most stores close during this time
• 7-8pm Tapas: Go to a bar with friends and enjoy a drink with tapas
• 9-10pm Dinner: Good sized meal, sometimes includes left overs from lunch

     To order tapas:

• The easiest way is to go up to the bar, point at what looks good and say "esto"

Still Skinny Spain? Part II Economic Crisis & American Influence

     Even though Spaniards continue to live healthier lives than Americans, the times are changing.  As a result of the economy, more mothers have to get a job to support their families, leaving less time to prepare meals.  In addition, the poor economy and high unemployment (about 26%) encourages Spaniards to eat inexpensive, less nutritious food.  Fast food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King are penetrating the centers of Spanish cities nation-wide.  Finally, the spread of technology (cell phones, television, video games, wifi) are causing children to be less active... Does this sound familiar?

     An estimated 25% of Spanish children between the ages 3-5 are overweight or obese. You don't have to be a nutritionist or a genius to imagine how many economic and social problems this will cause in the future (think health care.)  This figure and all others related to increasing rates of obesity can be attributed to the most basic changes of health and wellness; diet and exercise.

• Spanish children are living a more sedentary lifestyle.
• Spanish children are abandoning their healthy, Mediterranean diet for fast food.

     This topic clearly demonstrates some of the negative effects of economic crisis and globalization, specifically the US influence in particular.  American culture continues to infiltrate foreign countries, both positive and negative.  It is a shame that such a beautiful culture is being diluted by macro fast food chains amongst other culprits.  If things were perfect, foreigners would only accept the benefits of American culture and forget the rest... Even better they would positively influence American culture. 

Below are some short articles that explain the situation, but the best information can only be found in Spanish:

http://www.spainreview.net/index.php/2012/05/17/25-of-spanish-children-between-3-and-5-year-old-are-overweight/

http://news-spain.euroresidentes.com/2011/02/child-obesity-in-spain.html

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2012/11/13/madrid/1352798153.html (Spanish)

Cumpleaños feliz: Notes on Culture Shock

     I thought it'd be fun to share with you the pictures from a birthday party during my grammar class!  It seems that singing and dessert are at the center of every birthday celebration around the world. Now I wish that my birthday was during the semester....

     On a serious note, I am so lucky that my classmates are my second family.  We have all gone through similar experiences trying to adapt to the Spanish culture, and we always seem to understand each other despite the language barrier.

NOTE: It is so important to put yourself out of your comfort zone and meet new friends.  Many people go through culture shock because they are distanced from their traditional support network.  No problem!  You could read a million articles that explain the honeymoon phase, then depression, then the return to normalcy.  I'll make it simple for you...

Combating culture shock

1. Establish a routine and find a balance: Everyone has 3 categories of things they do everyday.. basic needs (food/sleep), responsibilities (work/school), and pleasure (social/exercise.)  Remember that all work and no play is not a recipe for success.
2. Establish support network and reach out to your old network if necessary: it is normal to invite someone to have coffee in Spain.. it took me awhile to understand that concept.
3. Take time to yourself when necessary: Don't be ashamed, everyone needs a night to themselves to catch up on their favorite tv show.
4. Accept that you will have some very, very tough days.  Pick yourself up as soon as possible and get back on track: one day, after an exhausting week, I got lost on my way home at night and all I wanted was to get back to my bed and pass out.  I walked into a flower shopped, asked how to get home, and brought back flowers for my host mom.  The magical powers of her gratitude and a hot shower solved my problems and I woke up the next day ready to get back to business.

STOP SHOWERING: Awareness & Respect

CLAUDIA VEN AQUI! My host mother screamed while I was eating my tortilla for dinner (at 9:30pm as usual.)  One of the Italian girls had been showering for 8 minutes, and I had to utilize my high school knowledge of Italian to tell the Italian girl to turn off the water.  Three minutes later the water was back on and my host mother was yelling at the very top of her lungs.  She stormed into the kitchen and lectured me about how manners were free to blow off some steam.

I know that I already wrote a post about host family living, but it is so important.  If the Italian girl had read my blog she wouldn’t have gotten scolded... maybe she would have read my blog if I changed the title to Claudia’s Pizza or Pasta perhaps.

In order to prevent any miscommunication despite the existence of a language barrier, one must exercise a high level of AWARENESS and RESPECT.

Its simple…

Before traveling: Research etiquette, customs, and traditions.  Consult various sources including the internet, program directors, abroad alumni, study abroad office, friends, and family.  Anyone who has traveled to the country can offer you valuable insight that can save you a lot of discomfort.

Upon Arrival: Directly ask host mother for her rules and expectations, and FOLLOW them.  If you know the rules and don’t respect them you are just as guilty if not more than people who are completely oblivious.

During: Observe and Adapt.  Be open to cultural differences; the way your host family lives their lives is not stupid, its just different.  Break the American attitude that your way is always the best.

After: Share your experiences with others and break the “ignorant American stereotype!”

Madrid

Just wanted to post a few pics from the Prado Museum, the Reign of Sophia museum, and the Real Madrid game!!!!!!!

Instant Friends: Intercambio Party

     The best way to learn Spanish is to speak Spanish.  As much as possible, as often as possible.  To help us utilize the grammar, vocabulary, and colloquial terms that we learn in the classroom outside the classroom, Maica and Carlos set up an Intercambio party at the Emory Center.  Six native Spaniards came (although we were supposed to have 13,) and we had the opportunity to speed date with them in 2 languages for 15 minutes each.  At the end of every conversation, I took down their contact info so that we can talk again.  I've actually had my first intercambio date with a discoteca promoter named Luis.  Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10pm-4am he stands on the street and tries to get people to go to his discoteca.  In simpler terms, he gets paid 5 euros an hour to get snubbed by drunk people.  However, club promoters are great people to practice your speaking with because they are lonely and desperate for positive human interaction.  So whenever someone approaches me asking if I'm going out tonight and I don't have anywhere to be, I will stop and chat.

      Thus far, I have not had a fully immersive experience.  There are two American girls also staying in my apartment (until tomorrow,) my Spanish classes are with other international students (from America, Japan, China, Korea, Brazil, Canada, etc.,) I have planned trips with other Emory students, and a lot of people really do speak English.  I have not been fully challenged to adapt to something completely new and different, and quite frankly I'm slightly disappointed.

     Instead of my environment challenging me, it is up to me to challenge myself.  In the next week, things will drastically change.  The American girls will be gone.  No more English at home.  I will stop speaking English with my Emory friends.  I will schedule regular intercambios with university students to improve conversational skills and build a friend network to hang out with.  To all the Spanish people reading my blog (and aren't just trying to find a recipe for paella... hit me up and lets talk ESPANOL!)  Maybe I can even find a boyfriend (I doubt any Spanish boy can handle this jersey girl.) WHO KNOWS.  All I'm saying is the adjustment period has come and gone, and now I need to overwhelm myself by trying to tackle Spain head on.

Saturday's Excursion: Segovia & La Granja

El cochinillo (baby pig)

Dia phone home

Segovia

Roman Aqueduct

     After waking up at 6:30 am, I put on 2 pairs of pants, sweater, leather jacket, winter jacket, scarf, gloves, and the hat my sister crocheted for me as a Christmas present.  I was bracing myself for a full day trip to the capital of the autonomous region of Castile and León, Segovia.  Not only is the city colder than Salamanca due to the high altitude, but the forecast called for snow!!

     We toured famous sites such as the Segovia Cathedral, the Roman aqueduct, and the Segovia Castle.  We were with a large group comprised mainly of Brazilians, Koreans, and Americans from our international courses.

For lunch, my Emory group went to a restaurant to eat the traditional Segovian dish called el cochinillo, aka baby pig.  It was the best pig I ever had!! Some people were freaked out that there was a leg on their plate or that there was hair coming out of the skin, but to me it just looked like lunch!
 

     After lunch we headed back to the bus to meet up with the other students.  Unfortunately, a group of 3 American girls didn't make it back to the bus on time and we had to leave without them to continue on to La Granja.   I tried to include the most notable pictures from the trip, but we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the cathedral :(

 

La Granja

Outside the palace

     I didn't like this place quite as much because we only got to tour a palace that wasn't nearly as impressive as the monuments in Segovia.  It probably would've been better to go here first.  We saw a beautiful and lavish palace FILLED with historic art/culture.  At the end of the day, it started heavily snowing.  Until this point I was properly dressed, but the high winds and wet snow soaked my pants and tore up my 3 euro umbrella.  I was so glad to get back on the bus and return home (to Salamanca) where my dinner was waiting for me (at 9:30pm.)

Skinny Spain Part I

     This is the first thing I saw when I walked into the local supermarket in Salamanca, named Carrefour.  I was astonished that there were rows and rows of fresh food as far as the eye could see.  I wondered to myself, "where is all the junk food?"  In the United States, usually the junk food takes up 90% of the store and occupies the center of the supermarket, while the fresh food lies on the periphery.  In Spain, I walked around for 15 minutes before I could find the processed products.  You are probably wondering why it took me so long... No I am not directionally challenged and no I was not drunk at 1pm.  I couldn't find it because the junk food was downstairs and I had to use the escalator located in the very back corner to find it.  After I rode the escalator down, I had to pass aisles of beauty products before I finally found the cookies and yummy cereals.

     The layout of the supermarket literally blew my mind.  Since I've been here, it is clear that there are SIGNIFICANTLY less fat people here thanks to the Mediterranean diet, less cars, the culture, and little things like the layout of a supermarket.

     The mediterranean diet consists of ...

• Many vegetables, fruits, legumes, and high quality grains
• Some fish, birds, and less dairy products
• Olive oil as the typical condiment (from the Romans)
• A little bit of wine
• Reduced intake of sugars and sweets
• Little to no "fast food"
• Paired with constant physical exercise

     Spaniards have maintained a healthy diet that creates a high quality of life.  However, it is clear that the American influence is gradually penetrating the rich culture and imposing negative effects on Spain.

New Posts Coming Soon

     I apologize to my loyal followers (aka sorry mom) for not posting the past few days.  I have been extremely busy with school/ trips/ applying for jobs/ etc. BUT the good news is I have lots of great things to say once I have the time to write them in a cohesive manner!  Check back in Monday night.

(Grandma's) Food for Thought

Grandma Gene holding my hand :)

     Literally, everyone's grandmother is the best cook in the world, and some people will get into altercations with others to defend their grammy's cooking.  Rumor has it, the fight between Sammi and JWow/Snooki on Jersey Shore in Miami started because Sammi told JWow that her nonna's sausage and peppers tasted like old hot dogs.  Snooki countered by saying that Sammi's nonna's lasagne tasted like catfood, and it turned into the brawl of the season.

     So why is it that we all think our grandma's cooking is the best cooking in the world?  Because it is.  Because their cooking is about more than just the food, its about the unconditional love they put into every dish and the sheer joy they receive from making our bellies full and seeing us smile.  Their meals offer us more than nutritional value, but also cultural, emotional, and intellectual nourishment.

     Every time that we sit down at the table with them, we have the opportunity to access our pasts including family history, heritage, religion, and even national history.  If it wasn't for my gwammy, I wouldn't know that when she was young girls who wore toe nail polish were considered trampy.  I wouldn't know what my mom and dad were like when they were teenagers (my parents were high school sweethearts.)  I wouldn't know about my Polish heritage: Perogies and Mushroom soup (only mushrooms handpicked by virgins in the forest) every Christmas, and Kielbasi every Easter.

Every time that we sit down at the table with them, it is a free therapy session.  We can tell them whatever is bothering us and they will only try to help us out.  If it's a secret, they will not tell a soul.  If we're mad at our parents, teachers, or siblings grandma will always be on our side.  Her solutions might include a 500 calorie oatmeal raisin cookie, but she always makes things better.

     Every time that we sit down at the table with them, we are molded into the person we will someday become.  Unconsciously, morals and habits are transmitted to us that we internalize to construct our own identity.  My grandmother knits for her local shawl ministry so that she can not only help others, but also "have something to show" for her time at night (instead of just absent-mindedly watching tv.)  At a young age, I was inspired to make crafts and volunteer as well as make sure that I too had something to show for my time.  In addition, she taught me the importance of family, tradition, and tasting everything.  No matter what she cooked I had to try it at least once (if I didn't like it I didn't have to eat the rest.)  I am so thankful that she put me through this culinary training because in Spain I can experience the culture in its entirety.  I try everything at least once.  That mentality translated to my life in general, and I am always willing to try something new.

     Today was my grandmother's birthday, and I could not get her off my mind all day.  I wrote her a sentimental Happy Birthday email, but it really upset me that I could not be with her.  I am so grateful for all that she has done for me.  From driving me to soccer, swim, gymnastics, girl scouts, to letting me kill a tree's worth of paper to color on when I was young (now I've reduced it to only killing a branch... I'm going green remember.)  With every meal that our grandmothers prepare, we are one step farther away from ever repaying them for all of the love, care, and happiness they put into our lives.  But it's okay because they don't expect us to ever repay them.  That's not why they cook us the most delicious food in the world.  Our grandmas make the most amazing meals solely because to see us happy, makes them happy; and they would sacrifice their heart and soul if it meant putting a smile on our faces.

Thank you Gwammy and Happy Birthday :)

Bandz Will Make Her Dance: $$$ and Opening a Foreign Bank Account

     Today, I received my debit card in the mail from Deutsche bank!  Since it is currently Rebajas (similar to Black Friday for an entire month,) I can now swipe away :)  When I was researching the abroad money situation, I had a hard time finding concise information so let me give you the run down..

1. If you exchange dollars to euros, your money will disappear.  As of today, the exchange rate is 1 USD = .75 €.  This means that the euro is more valuable than the dollar when traded on the open market, this does not mean the dollar sucks (don't be an ignorant American.)  There are winners and losers.  You are the loser, as well as domestic producers because their products are worth less.  However, because the USD is worth less, US exporters are able to compete with other countries (hey China) on the global market.  China actually withholds a large amount of USD in reserve in order to raise the value of USD against their yuan so that Chinese products will have greater demand.  Now you are ready to earn your macroeconomics degree!
2. Conversion charge of USD to € is about 3%.  In theory, you will only get 72% of every dollar.
3. Don't exchange large sums of money at the airport, you will get robbed.  Only exchange enough to hold you over until you can get to a bank/ATM (maybe $40-60 to cover a cab ride.)  In addition to the 3% conversion charge, Currency Exchange shops will keep another 4-6% of your money, knocking it down to 67% of every dollar.  To demonstrate the difference between using a bank and an airport currency exchange: 

• $100= (100x.75)-(100x.03)= 72 € at the bank.  (Americans are losers)
• $100= (100x.75)-(100x.03)-(100x.05)= 67 € at the airport. (Americans are even bigger losers)
4. To avoid these ridiculous surcharges, exchange large quantities of paper money at a bank teller or withdraw from your debit/credit card through an ATM.  You could even get a group together and pool your money so that you avoid the charge (usually need over $200).  
5. Research if your bank has partner banks in your destination in order to avoid the additional service fees.  For example, Bank of America and Deutsche bank have connections and I can withdraw money from a Deutsche ATM free of charge.  I know that Citibank also has a program like this.  Otherwise, Visa is widely accepted and generally has fair rates.
6. If you need to open an account at one of these American banks, do it 2-3 weeks before you leave.  I did it the week before and my mother had to pay a lot of money to mail my debit card to Spain.
7. Find out what your bank/credit card company charges for foreign transaction.
8. Notify your bank that you will be in a foreign country.  I just logged on to my mobile banking and sent an email.
9. Consider setting up a foreign bank account like me so that you can have a debit card that isn't charged every time you swipe!  This is also convenient is you get a small job.
10. You can only WITHDRAW money from ATM's in Spain.  To deposit my euros, I have to go up to the counter with my card.

I make it rain.

To open up a foreign bank account, you will need (at least)...

1. Passport
2. Address & phone number
3. 3 month or longer stay
4. Money to deposit
5. Basic banking vocabulary (such as I want to open an account)

All of these tips I learned from experience, but if you want to read it again in a slightly more descriptive format, I've included 2 links.


How to exchange money
How to get the best exchange rate

Everyday I'm Hustling: My Daily Schedule

My Spanish business class

     Without my schedule, I am nothing.  I have trouble relaxing for extended period of time (more than 12 hours.)  There is something inside of my that needs to feel productive in order for me to be happy.  Although I encountered different meal times here in Spain, I am certainly not taking a semester vacation.  My schedule is as follows:

Kanye's workout plan

	Lunes	Martes	Miercoles	Jueves	Viernes
7:30	Wake up	Wake up	Wake up	Wake up	Wake up
8	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast
8:30	Leave casa	Leave casa	Leave casa	Leave casa	Leave casa
9-11am	Grammar	Grammar	Grammar	Grammar	Grammar
11-12pm	History	History	History	History	History
12:15	Snack/HW	Snack/HW	Snack/HW	Snack/HW	Snack/HW
1:15-2:15	Business	Business	Business	Business	Business
2:45	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
4	Run	Run	Run	Run	Run
6:15-7:30	Literature	Culture	Literature	Culture	FREE
8-9pm	HW	HW	HW	HW	Tapas
9pm	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner
10pm	HW	HW	HW	HW	HW
12:30	Bed	Bed	Bed	Go Out	Go Out

     I have 5 hours 15 minutes of class every. single. day.  I'm honestly not used to sitting on my badonkadonk for so long... any suggestions on where I can find one of those donut seat cushions for people who broke their collar bone???  However, the more involved and active I am in class, the quicker it passes.

     After so much sitting, I like to run around the city in a different direction everyday.  I love seeing the whole city because it dates back to the Roman empire.  I finish up with some classy YouTube yoga in my cubicle room (I can't even extend myself diagonally without hitting the walls.)  But I'm not complaining because I love my room, my host mother, and Spain in general.  It's possible that I'll miss my flight back to the US if I can find an internship here :) more on that and the horrible state of the Spanish economy later...

V and Sophia in history class

     Many people ignorantly think that because Spaniards usually take a break for lunch and possibly a siesta, that everyone here is lazy.  This is far from the truth.  Here is a list of things that I have learned about Spanish culture.

1. Only children and the elderly take siestas.  Adults usually work.
2. Because they take a midday break, Spaniards work until 8 or 9pm.
3. Lunch, instead of dinner, is the time that families are supposed to be together and interact with each other.
4. Since they eat lunch so late, it is custom for your stomach to growl everyday.