Student Spotlight - Juliet Hollister

Juliet Hollister is an Architecture student who studied at the TTU Center in Sevilla, Spain. Learn more about Juliet's experience in Sevilla.

Juliet participating in reviews in Sevilla, Spain.

Juliet Hollister participating in reviews at the TTU Center in Sevilla, Spain.

What advantage did you find in studying abroad as a fourth-year student? How did this additional experience help your academics in Sevilla?

Studying abroad as a fourth-year student was timed perfectly with the amount of knowledge I had learned that was applicable to the program and experience. Had I gone before, I feel that I wouldn't have been able to understand what I was looking at as well as I did because I had taken the classes which provided me with prior knowledge to understand the details and history involved in what I was experiencing.

Do you have a favorite architectural style found in Sevilla and why is it your favorite?

My favorite architectural style in Sevilla is the gothic style found in the Real Alcazar. The level of detail and intentions behind every decision are so meaningful. Moreover, everything was done before technology and prefabrication, so the patience and time they took to make these buildings made me even more appreciative of the style and the care taken to preserve the monuments for people like us to see!

What was the most enjoyable part of your study abroad experience in Sevilla?

There were too many to pick one! The way that the program immersed us in the culture was incredible. The host family experience is such a unique one and made the adjustment of being in a new place so much more comfortable. Additionally, going on the trips, taking walks around the city, taking classes but in a different way were all memories I will cherish forever. After being there for a few weeks, you become part of the Sevilla family which is a special place with very special people.

What advice would you give students considering study abroad?

Take full advantage of this opportunity!!! There are so many resources for students like scholarships, visa workshops, travel planning tips, etc. I feel so grateful that Texas Tech has this kind of opportunity because the whole Office of International Affairs (OIA) in Lubbock and Sevilla know the program so well, and they did a lot of heavy lifting for us like planning our trips, setting up our host family arrangements, assisting with visa preparations, and so many more things that helped us get there smoothly and ready to start the program! It was so comforting knowing that while we were adjusting, there were so many people in both places that we could go to if we had questions or needed anything.

What does study abroad mean to you?

Study abroad is so much more than just going to class in a new place. Before I went, I thought it would be like picking up my desk in Lubbock and placing it in Sevilla. Thankfully, I was so wrong. Studying abroad is the greatest opportunity you can have if you are looking for experience in a new place. There was so much to absorb the entire time I was there, and everything we learned in our classes was so much more relevant because we could go see it and experience it right then and there. Also, it helped push me to leave my comfort zone and really opened my mind to a different way of life. Now, I have adopted some of those aspects into my life here. I can't recommend this special experience enough because I got so much more out of it than I could have gotten from going on a personal trip. Sevilla has such a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to go back!