As a student at Greenville University, Brittany Caldwell had an insatiable appetite for all things Spanish. She attended a Spanish chapel service, joined a Spanish Bible study, and even signed up for semester-abroad experiences in two Spanish-speaking countries.
Brittany Caldwell
A biology major (class of 2016), she added Spanish as a second major following a three-week interterm trip to Nicaragua during January of her sophomore year. She returned to Nicaragua for a study-abroad semester in the fall of her junior year, and then added a study-abroad semester in Spain in the fall of her senior year.
“My decision to study abroad was motivated by my great desire to improve my Spanish,” said the Fortville, Indiana, native. “But the experience also sounded exciting and adventurous. Both decisions were ultimately confirmed by the Lord after praying about them.
“My confidence about speaking in Spanish improved a lot while I was in Spain. I remember the first time I successfully made a haircut appointment on the phone; I was so nervous, but it turned out fine. Three other girls accompanied me on the trip, and we had the opportunity to explore the country together.”
Life-changing decision
While living in Madrid, she attended a Free Methodist church – a decision that, ultimately, would change the course of her life.
“I remember thinking that everyone in the church was really kind, welcoming, and genuine,” she recalled. “I taught an adult conversational English class, and that’s where I met Daniel. We exchanged telephone numbers to plan when we would meet next. Near the end of my trip, he shared that he wanted to keep in touch with me. I wasn’t allowed to date anyone while I was there, but after I’d been back in the United States for a little while, we reconnected and started to do video calls. During my final semester of college, he came over here and visited several of my classes, and then came back for graduation.”
They both sensed that the relationship had potential, but agreed that they needed more time together to determine where it was going. Brittany found a Teaching English as a Foreign Language training program in Madrid that would allow her to get a one-year visa. During that time, their relationship flourished, and they were married.
“Even after we got married, we were still assuming that we’d move back to the States,” Brittany said. “However, after careful consideration and much prayer, we feel that – at least for now – God has a plan for us here in Spain. Both Daniel and I are certified language teachers; I’m teaching English to visiting students at an after-school academy and he is teaching Spanish online to students from all over the world.
Full-circle opportunity
This semester, she’s had an opportunity to come full-circle as she and Daniel have hosted two Greenville University students – Kyle Sunderland and Benn Jane – doing a study-abroad semester, just like she did seven years ago.
“When we were asked about hosting the Greenville students, we jumped at the opportunity,” Brittany said. “I thought it would be so special to host students in the same way that I had been welcomed as a student. It’s been a joy to have the boys here. We’ve had some nice conversations and have enjoyed exploring Madrid with them. Being around them also has brought me back to my time at Greenville. It’s been fun to reminisce about those days.”
Serving as a host family also has underscored the benefits of a study-abroad program.
“Living in a foreign country widens your world view,” she said. “You get to see invaluable cultural differences, norms, and nuances, and it generally makes you a more open-minded and well-rounded individual. It’s often challenging, yet exciting. You embarrass yourself a lot when you say things you didn’t mean. I remember getting lost, confusing a waiter, and miscommunicating to my hair stylist. But, as they say, the best way to learn is by making mistakes.”
Her extensive background in Spanish before going abroad helped her negotiate the challenges of functioning in a different culture.
“Knowing the language helped me build so many relationships,” she added. “Being a language learner myself also has helped me relate better to my students. On a personal level, my time in Spain has helped me become more independent. I’ve learned to figure things out, despite the language and cultural barriers. And I’ve gained a new understanding of the world outside of the Midwest ‘bubble’ I lived in before.”
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