Student Testimonials

My name is Julian Kane. In December 2013, I received my bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication with a focus in Radio, Television, and Film and a minor in Geography from Texas Southern University (TSU). As a TSU student, I participated on the TSU Debate Team. My first assignment overseas was performing dramatic interpretation and oratory speeches in various locations throughout Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. When I boarded the plane on July 15, 2009 headed for Dar es Salaam, I was terrified. My fear was not of the plane or of stage fright. What I had was a fear induced by the media as a result of the stereotypical images of children with frail bones protruding through their bodies, widespread HIV/AIDS, and rampant violence and wars.However, when I arrived I did not witness the Africa portrayed in the media. The Africa I saw was of an Africa I did not expect to see. Although I did witness hardships and poverty, the people were friendly and prideful, the landscapes were breathtaking, and everyone had a sense of wisdom I had not witnessed before in my life

To read more about Julian's international experience please click CNN Report.

My study abroad trip to Spain was one of the best experiences I had ever encountered! We had Spanish lessons every morning during the weekdays, and lectures, dancing classes, cooking lessons, and/or Hispanic films in the afternoon. We also toured four different cities. The grants and funds from Texas Southern University, the Department of Foreign Languages, the Department of Political Science and the Mester study abroad program provided me the opportunity to engage in a different culture, language, and society along with other international students. I express my gratitude and strongly recommend for the study abroad program to continue in the future for all TSU students, it is truly a view-opening experience!

Sincerely,
Sullybeth Maximo
Political Science Major, Spanish Minor

This past summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. I expected to learn more about the Spanish culture and language through literature and lessons. However, this was not the case. The moment we arrived to the university, we were warmly welcomed to the program and instructed to get ready for the welcoming dinner. By the end of dinner, I knew that three weeks there would not be enough. If I ever had the opportunity to repeat this experience, I would do it without hesitation! I am forever grateful to Texas Southern and the Spanish program for granting me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Kendra Pete
Journalism major/Spanish minor

During my tenure in Spain, not only did my Spanish speaking skills immensely improve, but also my mind was expanded. I learned that as big as this world is, people are all on the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is doing his or her best to live while making a living. I was welcomed into a different culture, speak a different language, and live a different lifestyle. Yet I was still Jade, 19 year old from Portland, OR, going to school at Texas Southern University.

I guess what I am trying to say is, life goes on, and it goes on beautifully. There is day and there is night no matter where you are, and what you do with that time is what makes a difference. I was blessed to be able to spend my days and nights learning, living, and loving while experiencing life in Spain.

Jade Beavers
Business major
 

My name is Elisa Noriega. I am a senior at Texas Southern University. My major is Spanish and my minor is French. This summer I had the privilege of studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. The program at Mester was amazing. The teachers were very knowledgeable and helpful. They had activities planned for us every day. We went on weekend day trips to places such as Caceras, Avila, and Portugal. We had dancing and cooking lessons. We visited places that I had studied about in my Spanish Literature class for example the garden of Calisto and Melebea from the story

La Celestina and The Tormez River from the book Lazarillo de Tormez. We also went to a museum in Mardid and saw the painting Guernica by Pablo Picasso. These were once-and-a lifetime experiences and without the Scholarship that Texas Southern University awarded me, I would have never been able to travel to Spain.

Let me begin by saying thank you for all the support and assistance with funding my studying abroad in Spain this past summer. It was such an incredible experience. Not only was I educated about the language but also enlightened with the culture as well. The professors at the Mester program were great. They were very helpful when it came to explaining the lessons if I did not fully understanding initially. Our tour guide was awesome a very knowledgeable, friendly person. Again thank you TSU and Foreign language Department for giving me the opportunity. This experience I will remember and carry with me forever.

Vicente Lewis
Spanish Major, Music Minor