Kayla Kramer
C ’27
Communications
SA: CIEE Language and Culture in Lisbon
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I studied abroad in a country I had never visited before and where I didn’t speak the language, so a big part of my experience was learning how to adjust to an entirely new environment and eventually make Lisbon feel like home. I also traveled almost every weekend, which taught me how to balance making the most of opportunities to explore Europe with maintaining a steady routine in Lisbon. I’d love to share what I learned about managing frequent travel while still prioritizing academics, staying active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sense of routine throughout the semester.
My Experience Abroad
My coursework abroad did not directly relate to my Communications major, which was actually something I really valued about my experience. I intentionally used my semester abroad as an opportunity to step outside of my typical academic focus and take classes that allowed me to engage more deeply with Portugal and its culture. Courses such as “Culture and Cuisine of Portugal” and “The Arts and the Portuguese Empire” introduced me to subjects I likely would not have explored at Penn and gave me a greater understanding of Portugal’s history, traditions, food, art, and cultural identity.
I also took “Lisbon: City and Architecture”, which brought learning outside of the traditional classroom through weekly field trips to different neighborhoods and sites throughout Lisbon. Being able to explore the city firsthand and learn about its history and architecture while actually standing in the places we were discussing made my coursework feel especially connected to my experience abroad.
Rather than trying to recreate my academic experience at Penn, I wanted to use my coursework as another way to immerse myself in Lisbon. Stepping outside of my usual academic interests pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience Portugal from perspectives I may not have encountered otherwise.
Other Highlights
- Experiencing so many different parts of Europe and beyond: One of the biggest highlights of my semester was having the opportunity to experience such a wide range of places, cultures, and landscapes. Within just a few months, I went from riding camels through the Sahara Desert, to skiing in the French Alps, to taking a gondola through the canals of Venice.
- Building new friendships and strengthening existing ones: Studying abroad gave me the unique opportunity to become much closer with friends I already had, while also expanding my social circle in ways I did not expect. Sharing everyday life in Lisbon created such a strong sense of community, and the relationships I formed and strengthened were one of the most meaningful parts of my semester.
- Â Becoming more open to new experiences: Being abroad constantly placed me in unfamiliar situations and encouraged me to try things I might not normally have done. I became more comfortable embracing spontaneity, navigating the unexpected, and saying yes to new experiences. I came home feeling more adventurous, adaptable, and confident stepping outside of my comfort zone.
