The most challenging part of this experience was spending an extended period away from my family and friends. I have always considered myself to be family-oriented, and this past year confirmed just how important those relationships are to me. Being so far from home pushed me to find new ways to maintain those connections; through regular phone and video calls, exchanging video updates with my cousins and friends, and even mailing postcards to my family. Doing these gestures not only helped bridge the distance but also deepened my appreciation for the people in my life. While it wasn’t always easy, I do not regret the experience one bit. Studying abroad for a year taught me valuable life lessons about love, connection, and the importance of staying grounded in my values, no matter where I am in the world.
I was surprised by how quickly meaningful friendships formed with other study abroad students. Being away from home and navigating similar challenges brought us closer together much faster than I expected. It often felt like we had known each other for a good while, even though we had just recently met at the start of the program. These shared experiences created a strong sense of community, and the people I met on this journey will always hold a special place in my recollections of Madrid.
One unforgettable experience was getting the chance to travel on weekends and holidays, either with friends or on my own. I have always treasured spending time at the beach since swimming is one of my favorite hobbies, so I was thrilled to continue that passion while abroad. These trips were not just about getting out of the house; truly they gave me the chance to observe the rich diversity within Spain. I enjoyed noticing the differences in cuisine, local customs, architecture, and even the way people carried themselves in each region. Instead of focusing on traveling outside the country, I made it a priority to explore as much of Spain as possible. I visited towns with immense history, vibrant cities, and one of my favorite places of all - the Canary Islands. Moments like these made my time abroad feel more connected to the country I was staying in.
Living in a studio apartment during my time abroad allowed me to rediscover my love for cooking since I was not able to do so in the university dorms, of course. I was content that I was able to practice this interest again, and this surely taught me that it is one of my favorite hobbies. Beyond that, I learned that I am more independent and capable than I previously thought. Navigating a new country on my own pushed me to solve problems, advocate for myself, and make decisions without having to rely on others. I learned how to live on my own not just practically, but emotionally. This experience helped me gain more confidence in myself and a deeper understanding of the kind of person I am becoming.
I think this experience has helped me appreciate the United States a bit more. Living in Spain allowed me to reflect on what I enjoy about both countries. I’ve come to see that each place holds qualities that make them unique. Spain offers a slower pace of life, a strong sense of family/community, and rich cultural traditions, while the U.S. has a fast-paced, opportunity-driven environment that shaped much of who I am today.
Being raised in the U.S. and having much of my support system there made me realize that I feel a strong connection to the U.S. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the freedoms, resources, and diversity available in the country, especially as someone from a working-class background. Living abroad reminded me how valuable it is to learn from other ways of life and to bring those lessons back home.
I would highly recommend a full year of study abroad. Living abroad for a full year exposes you to the country’s full rhythm of life as you get to experience all the seasons, the highs and lows, and the realities of daily living, including navigating the city and its bureaucracy. Staying for a year allows for a fuller immersion into the local culture than what a short-term stay could offer. Many of the friends I made who were only here for a semester expressed their desire to want to extend their stay when it came towards the end of the academic term. Before starting college, there was always something in me that called me to want to live abroad for a year. I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and experience something that would challenge and benefit me. This experience helped me explore how I can adapt to new environments, how I manage living independently, and how I stay grounded without my usual support system around all the time. It also helped me grow in confidence, emotional resilience, and develop a more empathetic, global perspective. This is an opportunity that I would encourage no student to let pass.