Postcards from Abroad begins in Europe to visit with Muhlenberg softball junior Nicole Atkins, an international studies and Spanish major studying in Seville, Spain this semester.

What classes are you taking? Which class is your favorite?
I'm taking five classes, which are: Spanish for the Business, International Business and the E.U., Flavors Aromas and Spices, Advanced Oral Communications and Cultural Realities. My favorite is probably International Business and the E.U. It's challenging, but very interesting. I also have an internship with Mail Boxes ETC., which is an international corporation that offers packing, shipping, communication and marketing services to businesses as well as individual customers.

Have you been able to travel at all yet?
We have done a few small trips within Spain on the weekend, but my friends and I have planned trips to Italy, France, Tenerife, Morocco, Barcelona and Madrid.

How have you been training while abroad?
I go to the gym every day here in Spain and it is one of the best parts of my day. It is about a mile and a half from where I'm staying, but the views on the way are gorgeous, so it's not a problem at all. We also have to walk a decent amount to get wherever we need to go, so it becomes second nature.

What has been the overall hardest adjustment?
The hardest adjustment for me has been not being able to see my friends and family back home whenever I want to.

What made you decide to study abroad?
I have always loved to travel, and I love learning and speaking Spanish, so I felt crazy not to take the opportunity to study abroad.

What have you learned about yourself while studying abroad?
At Muhlenberg, I'm always rushing around between class, practice, homework, etc. Since being abroad, I've realized how important it is to take a step back every once in a while and appreciate what's around you.

Any messages for your teammates back home?
Keep up the hard work throughout the offseason! Miss you all! Roll Mules!