Experiences Abroad: Spain
Oct. 16, 2008

Jacob Irwin at Alpe D'Huez, France.

Traveling throughout Spain was an adventure of a lifetime for Jacob Irwin, a recent graduate in agricultural and biological engineering, while dietetics major Waylon Abernathy said his study abroad experience in Spain opened his eyes to the world.

“The most exciting aspect of my study abroad experience was exploring San Sebastian,” says Jacob Irwin who earned a double major in biological and biomedical engineering and business administration at the University of Arkansas.

“Studying abroad has opened my eyes to the world outside of the U.S.,” said Waylon Abernathy. “The diversity and way of life has changed the way I live and view the world.'

Irwin and Abernathy both participated in different study abroad summer programs in Spain sponsored by the University Studies Abroad Consortium. Irwin was in San Sabastian in northern Spain near the French border, while Abernathy completed his studies at the University of Alicante, in southern Spain by the Mediterranean Sea. Abernathy completed courses in Spanish Gender Studies and Outdoor Travel Writing.

“I have learned much about the Spanish culture through the Gender Studies course”, Abernathy said. “The experience has caused me to appreciate the quality of living in the U.S., but I am also envious of the way of life in Spain.'

Irwin was awarded his undergraduate degree this past August, after he completed six hours of Spanish Language, conversation and culture during the summer term at the University of the Basque Country in San Sabastian. The study abroad courses enable him to complete his minor in Spanish.

“The classes were some of the hardest Spanish classes I have ever had, but the experience helped me learn how to meet new people,” Irwin said.

Irwin said his program was very well organized and included experiences outside of the classroom. He said the experience was a key stepping stone from being an undergraduate to moving on to the next step in life.

An avid cyclist, Irwin said he took advantage of the trails and traveled throughout Spain and France, including the Plan d'Augille and the Alps D'Huez in France, considered the most famous cycling hill climb in the world.

“The most exciting aspect of my time in Spain was exploring all the hiking trails around San Sebastian”, Irwin said. “It was truly an amazing experience.”

Irwin received a travel award from Mr. and Mrs. William Millager from Rogers, Ark. Irwin is currently an engineer with Merck and Co., Inc in the Primaxin antibiotic sterilization facility in Elkton, Va.

Global Studies Program
Dr. Raymond W. Barclay, Director
425 Hotz Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-575-6727 • rbarclay@uark.edu