From Birmingham to Spain How one MSU student’s study abroad journey transformed her worldview

By Sam Kealhofer

Studying abroad is more than just an academic adventure—it’s a lifechanging experience, as Mary Nelson Litty, a junior at Mississippi State University, discovered during her transformative summer in Spain.

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Litty is double-majoring in accounting and Spanish with a concentration in international business. In this Q&A, she shares her journey of immersion into Spanish language and culture, the challenges and triumphs of living abroad, and how her time in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, broadened her worldview.

From navigating new customs to connecting with people from around the globe, her story is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to embrace the unknown.

Why did you choose MSU?

I decided to come to MSU for many reasons, the main one being I truly fell in love with the people and atmosphere here. My faith is very important to me, and I felt the Lord guiding me toward Mississippi State.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

Over the years, I have fallen in love with the Spanish language. I have also always wanted to experience Europe, so what better country to go to than Spain? I was so excited about the opportunity to finally use Spanish in the real world and continue to improve in Spanish proficiency. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to learn about Spain’s rich history and the history of the language itself.

Before traveling, how confident were you in your ability to speak and understand the host language?

Before going to Spain, I felt competent in reading, writing and basic communication in Spanish. I was nervous about being able to understand native speakers and communicating with them simply because the language is spoken so fast, and I knew there would be words and phrases I did not know. Language in the real world is vastly different from language in the classroom, so that evoked a level of fear, but my excitement for learning far outweighed it.

Did

you have any doubts about studying abroad?

Before going to Spain, I had never left the U.S. My main fear was being out of the country for so long without my family and close friends. I was apprehensive in the weeks leading up to the trip, but I knew I would be so glad I had taken the trip. Really, it was just a fear of the unknown because I had no idea what to expect.

What courses did you take while studying abroad? How did they compare to your courses at home?

I took four courses through La Universidad de Alcalá during my time in Spain. In June, I took two courses taught by native Spanish professors who work for the language school of the university. These classes were mainly intense vocabulary and grammar. We solely spoke in Spanish and were in class with students from all over the world. In July, our classes were just the students from MSU, and we were taught by two MSU professors. These were much different because we learned about the history of the Spanish language and about sociolinguistics in Spain.

What was your first impression of the country?

I immediately liked the culture of Spain when I arrived. The people were friendly, and I loved the walking culture and emphasis on family the Spanish encourage. The people are very affectionate, which I appreciated. One interesting thing is people were often more direct, which was just different from the people I’m usually around back home. Additionally, the country is so beautiful, and there is history around every corner.

Can

you share a memorable cultural experience?

On the night we arrived in Alcalá, the Catholic church was in the middle of its celebration of Corpus Christi. There was a huge parade throughout the town, with people of all ages participating. As a Christian, I found this so interesting because it was so different than anything I’ve ever experienced.

How did you adapt to the local customs, food and daily life?

Overall, I loved the new daily customs of Spain. I loved the walking culture so much. Many people stay up later and begin work later in Spain than in America. Businesses also close around 2 p.m. to either 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. for siesta. For us, we would eat lunch after class and then often rest in the afternoons before doing any other activities later in the day. For the summer, it was a lifestyle I really enjoyed and appreciated.

Much of the Spanish cuisine consists of Iberian ham and seafood. Paella is a Spanish dish made of rice and different types of seafood that I really loved. One of my favorite drinks was the coffee. I am a coffee lover, and almost all the coffee in Spain is espresso. I probably bought too much coffee, but it really was wonderful.

Living abroad is an experience I will never forget. I had to grow up a lot and gained a lot of independence. I learned I could do things out of my comfort zone and I could be more adventurous.

As far as my worldview, I was exposed to so many people who are different from me. It gave me a better perspective of the world and compassion for people than I had ever had before.

How did you connect with people in the host country?

Smiling goes a long way! I tried to talk to the people in my classes and be a friendly face to everyone. I became friends with a few girls from Korea who were in my class. I learned we all have more in common than we think. I also really enjoyed talking to my Spanish professors and people at our residence. They taught me a lot about the differences and similarities between Spain and the U.S.

Did you travel within the country or to nearby countries?

Within Spain, we went to Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, Valencia and Barcelona. All these cities were simply beautiful in their own ways and were so rich in history. We got to see cathedrals, castles and amazing views while eating delicious food and experiencing authentic Spanish culture. In the middle of the trip, we had some time off from school, so my family got to come visit. During that time, we spent time in and around Madrid and traveled the south of Spain, which included Sevilla, Córdoba and Granada. The south of Spain was my favorite part of the country because of its natural beauty and unique history and architecture. On one of the last weekends, my friends and I flew to Rome, Italy! We got to see the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum along with many other landmarks.

How has your study abroad experience influenced your academic or career aspirations?

I now know I want to use Spanish in my adult life. Whether that is through my career, church or other organizations, I want to continue to learn the language and to bridge communication gaps that exist all over the world.

Would you recommend studying abroad to other students?

One hundred times yes! Studying abroad was the most eye-opening experience of my life. I learned so much about the world and myself while getting to do so many amazing things. Studying abroad will change your life and create lifelong memories. If I could go back, I would. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it’s food, travel or talking to someone new, you will always be glad that you reached outside of your comfort zone. If there is something you want to do, do it! Don’t let fear be a hindrance. u