Mr. Galvan & Spain

Brynn Radak (BR): Where did you study abroad? And for how long?

Roger Galvan (RG): Madrid, Spain for 4 months

BR: How old were you when you studied abroad?

RG: 20 years old

BR: Why did you decide to study abroad?

RG: My friends and I would see Spain and other beautiful European cities on skate videos. I had to go see for myself.

BR: Did you live on your own or with a family?

RG: I lived on my own, in a flat with 2 roommates from Fullerton College.

BR: What was your favorite experience while studying abroad?

RG: I met kids my age from all over….Morocco, Nigeria, England, Sweden, Australia. I learned so much from all of them. Their favorite foods, artists, musicians, political beliefs, the list goes on. As eager as I was to learn about their lives, they were eager to learn about mine. I also met my wife out there….that’s significant.

BR: What were the downsides of studying abroad?

RG: I could not find a burrito…..not one. My mom shipped me beans and Tapatio immediately.

BR: Would you recommend studying abroad to your students. If so, why?

RG: I would recommend every student, colleague, friend or stranger to study abroad.

“As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks—on your body or on your heart—are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” -Tony Bordain