Exercise 2A, page 82.0:00
Name: Steven Marshall.0:32
School: Concordia University, Oregon, USA.0:35
Studying in: Puebla, Mexico.0:40
So Steven, why did you decide to spend a year studying abroad?0:45
Well, generally, I thought it would be an adventure and a great learning opportunity.0:49
To live in a totally different culture.0:55
I chose Mexico because I have been learning Spanish now for 3 years and I wanted to improve my language skills.0:58
What have been the best parts of your experience so far?1:06
It's very difficult to choose just a few, but one of the best things has definitely been the experience of living with a host family.1:09
Mexicans are very warm, outgoing people and my hosts have been treating me like part of their family.1:18
During my first week, they invited their whole family for dinner to meet me, and it was fun but quite overwhelming trying to answer all their questions in Spanish.1:25
I've also been learning to slow down and relax and take an afternoon siesta after a big lunch, like the rest of the family.1:36
It's been fantastic living in one of Mexico's oldest cities too.1:45
With its beautiful 16th-century architecture.1:49
It's a great feeling when you start to feel like you belong in a foreign place.1:53
Little things like knowing the answer when strangers ask you for directions, or getting around without getting lost, are so rewarding.1:58
And what about the challenging parts?2:06
Well, I've been struggling a bit to get used to the hot weather, but now I wear a hat.2:08
It was also difficult to get used to the spicy food, but now I'm really enjoying it.2:15
I still have difficulty understanding social etiquette.2:22
Last week, for example, a New Mexican friend invited me for dinner, and I turned up exactly on time.2:26
My host seemed a bit surprised.2:34
I found out later that Mexicans usually turn up for an appointment at least half an hour late.2:37
What would you say to other young people considering studying abroad?2:42
Go for it, without a doubt.2:46
This has been the best experience of my life so far.2:49
I've become more self-confident, patient, and outgoing, and my Spanish has improved even more than I expected.2:52
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