Figueroa’s Study Abroad Semester in Spain an “Incredible Experience”

When University of the Ozarks senior Duban Figueroa Palma looked out his airplane window in January as his plane was about to land in Spain to begin his study abroad semester, he knew he was in for a memorable experience.

"When I saw the bright blue water and colorful buildings of Alicante, Spain, I knew it was going to be an amazing place to live for a semester," he said. "The journey there was exciting but also nerve-racking. Being in a city 5,000 miles away from everyone that I knew was a crazy feat to do, but it turned out to be an incredible experience."

Figueroa, an ecology and wildlife biology major from Fort Smith, Ark., spent the spring 2024 semester studying at the Universidad de Alicante. He took courses in field ecology, animal physiology, plant physiology, training for teachers of physical education, sport sciences and Spanish, all of which correlated with his majors and minors at Ozarks.

"My favorite course was field ecology; the professor and students made it extremely fun," he said. "For the lab work we went to hike mountains near the city of Maigmo, Spain; we did some observations and measurements of nearby sand dunes in Guardamar del Segura; and did some experiments on silk larvae in the laboratory. I was able to take two larvae home and let them cocoon and birth into these beautiful silky white moths. I found this course to be especially useful; the labs we did gave me a lot of experience and new knowledge on the techniques that my future career would most likely require."

The sport sciences course also made an impact on Figueroa.

"Every week a student would have to do a teaching model for the class," he said. "One student took us to a beach called San Juan near Alicante and taught us how to kayak with proper technique and afterwards we kayaked far into the Mediterranean Sea. This course helped me get out of my comfort zone and made me a better speaker and teacher, along with getting to know some wonderful people."

It was the first time in Europe for Figueroa, an avid runner who previously competed on the University's cross country team. He took advantage of his free time outside the classroom.

"Just about every day, I was out running, many runs," he said. "I helped one of my friend's train and run with me, so hopefully she is still doing it. There were also a lot of beach days and nights; sometimes I would go nap at the beach and swim during the day and have dinners at night with some friends. I took a lot of day trips as well to cities such as San Juan, La Vila Joisoa, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, and Denia, all of which were amazing to see."

His last night in Alicante was especially memorable.

"It was the first night of Hogueras, a huge festival that marks the start of summer, which they were going to do a firework show in the center of the city," Figueroa said. "My group and people I knew went to see it and it was amazing, extremely loud but beautiful to see. At the end of the night, we all ended up at the best bar/restaurant in Spain called Casa Blanca and reminisced. A lot of emotions were felt that night, but it was worth it. If I had another chance to live this experience, I would do it all over again."

Figueroa said he first heard about Ozarks' study abroad opportunities during his tour of campus as a high school student back in May of 2021 and it stuck with him.

"I was always interested in going to another country and seeing how people there go about doing scientific work," he said. "I then heard about professors who went abroad during their years of university and students here at Ozarks and they all said wonderful things about their experiences. I said to myself, 'Fudge it, I'm going to Spain.' I am the type of person that once I set a goal, I will achieve it no matter how hard or long it will take."

He said the experience gave him added self-confidence as a student and as a traveler.

"Living abroad made me extremely independent; I managed to buy groceries for myself and cook daily, fixed minor issues in my apartment, and planned out small trips by myself," he said. "I also immersed myself in the culture. I gained insight on the everyday Spanish life, like having five meals a day, the last meal with wine of course, going to the beach, being physically active, and noticing different Spanish sayings. As a student, it exposed me to different teaching styles and perspectives on the subjects that were taught. I gained new knowledge about how to come at a problem and solve it. I also gained new problem-solving skills and made a vast network of peers and professors, which provides me different perspectives and potential career connections."

The University's Student Enrichment Fund (SEF) helped Figueroa fund the experience.

"SEF made this whole idea possible; It was the most important aspect of making my trip as well planned as it was," he said. "I do not think that I would have been able to have made as many memories and experiences without it. I am forever grateful for the SEF Committee for granting funds to make my dream possible."

Topics: Study Abroad