Paulina Xifaras

Studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain at the University of Salamanca during the month of July in the summer of 2022.  

While studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain I was able to improve my Spanish language skills as I took 3 classes in Spanish. I also spoke Spanish every day with my Spanish host mother while we ate at meals which greatly helped me improve my skills. As my language improved, I was able to gain a great deal of confidence which I was able to bring back to my classes at UMass. While in Spain, I thoroughly enjoyed my classes while also embracing the daily siesta, unhurried lifestyle, and passion for trying new food.  

Currently I am working on completing my honors thesis on, “The Impact of Stigma on College Students with Mental Illness and how this Affects their Academic Success” in an honors thesis seminar course. I am looking forward to a gap year post senior year to hopefully complete a Fulbright Scholarship or to continue working and shadowing in hospitals for my application to medical school.