4,509 miles.
Grace Sleper (12) plans to study miles away in Valencia, Spain, for her freshman year of college through Florida State University. Sleper plans to major in psychology.
Sleper decided to attend Florida State University because of its first-year study abroad program. Through the program, Sleper will receive in-state tuition for the three years after her year abroad.
“Studying abroad is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Sleper said. “I didn’t want to wait until later.”
Sleper found out about Florida State University’s abroad program through the Common App.
“There was an option asking if I wanted to be considered for a pathways program,” Sleper said.
Besides seeing new places and speaking Spanish, Sleper is also excited about meeting new people.
“It’s not a huge college campus,” Sleper said. “I’ll make my own family.”
Sleper has met other students, who will be with her in Spain, online through a group chat.
“We’ve been talking and asking questions,” Sleper said. “I’ve been following them on social media, too.”
Florida State University also offers a specific orientation for first-year study abroad students from June 14 through June 16.
“We’ll hang out in the dorms together at the Tallahassee campus,” Sleper said.
Sleper has taken four years of Spanish while at West Delaware and earned her Global Seal of Biliteracy. However, she has some concerns about the language barrier.
“I am a little nervous about it,” Sleper said. “But from what I have researched and been told by the faculty and previous students, the locals are very kind and love to help you practice your Spanish.”
While abroad, Sleper dreams of growing as a person and making lasting friendships.
“I’ll be so far from my family,” Sleper said. “I know it will be difficult, but I’ll grow in so many ways.”
Sleper wants to live in the moment while abroad, but she does have some bucket list goals.
“I really want to go to Morocco and ride a camel,” Sleper said. “I also really want to go on long hikes, climb mountains and explore new things.”
Sleper is excited for the unknown.
“I just love doing new things, learning about myself and making myself uncomfortable because there’s no growth in comfort,” Sleper said. “I genuinely think I’ll be a completely different person by 2027.”
