Hi Ducks! My name is Ariel Carreon, and I am a junior, majoring in English with a legal studies minor. I am handicapped due to being visually impaired, but that has not stopped me from choosing to study abroad!
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The program I am currently enrolled in is the Spanish Immersion Program here in Segovia, Spain, where I will have the opportunity to learn Spanish and get immersed in the Spanish culture. I chose this program for various reasons; the main one being that I want to learn Spanish to be able to connect with my Mexican culture on a deeper level. I want to be able to talk to my family members who do not speak English. Also, this program would allow me to complete the language requirements that every UO student needs to complete if they are doing a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Before and even while applying I was apprehensive due to my visual impairments, I was concerned about my needs not being met in the classroom but thankfully with the help of Sarah Pearson, the GEO advisor for this specific program, she reassured me that I would be okay and taken care of by the staff here in Segovia.
She was right! When I arrived here and sat in the classroom for the first time, immediately I was faced with challenges of not being able to see the board and not being able to keep up with everyone else however, after speaking to the staff, they found ways to accommodate me which is something we are currently working on as of right now. When I first arrived here in Segovia, I was taken aback by the beauty of the buildings and the rich history it has! Everywhere you look, there is something cool to look at, and the aqueduct is what Segovia is known for. Seeing it for the first time was incredible since there is so much history behind it. There are many stairs that can be dangerous for me due to my vision, but I have gotten used to them and I know how to navigate through them easily.
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The biggest surprise for me here thus far is how, from 3-5 p.m., everything is closed since resting is taken seriously. I have found that this past week, due to the jet lag and getting used to a new place/developing a new schedule, has been tiring, so I am extremely grateful for the national siesta (nap time) that takes place every day during those hours. It’s even a national sport here! Overall, I am very excited for the program and am simply taking it day by day. If someone who experiences visual problems were to ask me for any advice about studying abroad, I’d say to communicate every little need necessary that would be beneficial to them.
Ariel Carreon
Intermediate Spanish Immersion in Segovia, Spring 2025