Zach Butler
Major: Biology
Spanish for Healthcare, La Universidad de Oviedo -- Oviedo, Spain
Q: What drew you to this location?
A: I have always had a strong drive to develop my Spanish fluency. As I explored European study abroad programs, Spain quickly emerged as the clear choice to continue my education. I specifically chose Oviedo over larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona because its quieter setting provided a much more immersive environment. Stepping away from major tourist hubs allowed me to fully engage with the local community and experience authentic Spanish culture.
Q: How have your past experiences prepared you for this experience?
A: More recently, I’ve spent the better half of the past 4 years in Ecuador & Colombia with a visit to Mexico. Additionally, my academic coursework at the University of Utah prepared me on an intellectual level—such as writing my five-page academic essay, “Más Que Palabras: El Papel del Quichua y de Las Lenguas Indígenas Mexicanas en Sus Identidades Nacionales,” under the mentorship of Dr. Keri Gonzalez. Combining these intercultural travel experiences in Latin America with my U of U academic preparation gave me a strong foundation before embarking across the Atlantic to Oviedo.
Q: What intercultural skills have you developed while learning abroad?
A: There’s no better place to learn intercultural skills than while abroad in another culture. In Spain, I practiced observing and seeking understanding before making assumptions about unfamiliar cultural norms. I loved the freedom of asking locals open-minded questions about their daily routines, values, and traditions compared to what we view as standard in Utah. Most importantly, I adopted a mindset to accept the unfamiliar and try everything—from traditional Oviedo dishes to the vibrant soccer culture surrounding the World Cup.
Q: How has this experience prepared you for career progression and promotion?
A: Since middle school, I have been working toward a career in dentistry. Combining that goal with functional medical Spanish and cultural competence has been transformative. Through this program, I studied Spanish healthcare terminology and observed clinical practices inside the Oviedo University Hospital—gaining rare insight into how medical care functions within Spain’s healthcare system. As a future dental provider, I plan to leverage this experience to bridge language and cultural gaps for Spanish-speaking patients right here in Utah and across the U.S.
Q: What is your experience with navigation while learning abroad?
A: This program marked my first time traveling abroad solo. Navigating public transportation on my own—from the underground subways in Madrid to the high-speed trains heading north to Asturias—was empowering and exhilarating. Public transit in Spain was accessible and efficient, making solo travel smooth and boosting my confidence in navigating unfamiliar places.
Q:What cultural differences have you encountered?
A: One of the first adjustments was the summer schedule in Spain—people shop, dine, and socialize much later than in the U.S., with dinner often starting around 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Another cultural aspect I loved was the passion for soccer (fútbol). I spent many evenings playing pickup games with locals at the concrete court in the university plaza and even had the chance to join a few matches at the Real Oviedo soccer academy.
Q: Have you faced any obstacles during this experience? Detail them and how you’ve handled it.
A: During one of my first nights in Oviedo, my phone died while I was trying to find my way back to my host family's house. Without a map, I had to rely on my Spanish to ask for directions. I located a familiar park and started a conversation with some locals nearby. Even though I didn't know every single word, I communicated that my home was adjacent to the local supermarket. Thanks to their guidance and a bit of problem-solving, I made it back safely.
Q: Is this something you would do again? If so, what would you do differently?
A: I would do this program again in a heartbeat! The only thing I would change is applying for funding earlier. I recommend future students start researching and applying for study abroad scholarships as early as August or September so they don't miss the first scholarship cycle.
Q: Is learning abroad something you would recommend?
A: Absolutely! There is no other time in your life when you will have the flexibility to explore the world outside of a standard classroom or career setting. It accelerates your personal growth in ways traditional coursework simply cannot match.
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Any views, experiences, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this student highlight do not necessarily represent those of the College of Science.
