Student Spotlight -- Shea Benedict

Interviewed by Dalia Poch, Wendy Estrada, Rachel Shin, Lauren Kahn.

Shea Benedict is a senior public relations student who spent part of her summer in Argentina refining her Spanish and experiencing a different culture.

Q: What made you interested in participating in a study abroad program?
Growing up with a Hispanic background, my family has always taken pride in their heritage. I feel that it is very important to learn about my own culture and its spoken language. I believed that Argentina was the perfect opportunity for me to submerge myself in a Spanish-speaking society.

Q: How has experiencing Argentina affected your life?
It was very interesting living in a different culture and conforming to their lifestyle. It was very different from my life in America, but very exciting at the same time. Living in another country with a host family for six weeks was a great way for me to polish my Spanish-speaking skills. By completely surrounding myself in their culture and native language, I advanced my learning abilities and opened my mind to the world around me.

Q: How has that opportunity helped you with public relations?
Combining my knowledge of a second language with my public relations degree has given me an advantage in securing a future career. I am interested in working in international relations in a South American country. Going to Argentina gave me an idea on what job opportunities I could pursue when I graduate in May.

Q: How have you combined what you have learned in public relations with your experience in Argentina?
When I was in Argentina, I had to learn how to get by on my own in a different environment from what I was accustomed to. The communications skills that I learned were great tools in helping me with my interactions abroad. Applying the Spanish language to the public relations techniques that I have learned helped me broaden my writing style. It was a great way for me to understand a new audience in a new environment.