During my sophomore year, in 2013, I spent the fall semester living and studying in the Spanish capital, Madrid. While I was there I attended the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija and took three classes in Spanish. Two were Spanish language courses, the third, however, was a survey of the contemporary history of Spain.

 

The course began with a quick history of ancient Spain (the Romans, the Moors, kings and queens, and etc.), however the majority of the focus was on the events of the 20th century. We discussed the crisis of the Spanish monarchy, the subsequent first and second republics, followed by the country's decline into civil war and the resulting forty year reign of General Francisco Franco, as well as the following political transition to today's democracy.

 

I strongly feel that taking this class in a Spanish university in Madrid and being taught in Spanish by a Spaniard has given me a greater understanding, not only of Spanish life, but also the Spanish culture and some of the nuances of the Spanish language; all of which I believe will serve me well in a business environment with, or within, a Spanish company.