It is crazy to think it has already been about two months since moving to Madrid, time has flown by so fast! So far, Madrid has been incredible. It is a large, vibrant city similar to New York, filled with endless things to do, cafés to try, and museums to explore.
My initial impression of UC3M was how small the campus felt compared to Texas A&M. You can walk the entire campus in under ten minutes, and there is no need for Aggie Spirit buses to get anywhere. The campus is located in Getafe, so if you choose to live in the city, which I highly recommend, it takes about 50 minutes to commute to class. Honestly, the commute is not bad, and you quickly get used to it. I personally prefer commuting to class from the city rather than the other way around.
Campus culture here is also quite different. There is a main plaza where students sit and talk for hours between classes. There are not large buildings like our MSC, but instead, plenty of grassy areas where students relax or study. Classes themselves are interesting and not too difficult, though there is a lot less homework and a stronger emphasis on exams and final projects.
The differences between Spain and the U.S. are noticeable in almost every part of daily life, from the cuisine to the daily schedule, it has been a real culture shock in the best way. Coming from Houston, where public transportation is pretty limited, adjusting to relying solely on the metro, trains, and walking has been a big change. Once you figure it out, the metro is actually super easy to navigate, and I have come to love how social and communal life here feels. Since fewer people drive, you see more interaction in public spaces, and people truly take time to enjoy their day.
Another big difference I have noticed is the work-life balance. People in Spain are very good at leaving work at work, and you can see this reflected in the café culture. Out of what feels like a thousand coffee shops, maybe one or two will allow you to work on your laptop, and that is only during weekdays. Weekends are reserved for brunch and socializing, so it is best to work from home if you need to get things done. This balance has been refreshing to experience and has reminded me of the importance of slowing down and enjoying life outside of work or school.
Grocery shopping has also been an adjustment. Stores do not carry the same products I am used to back home. I remember searching for cookie dough and realizing premade dough does not really exist here. While the fruits, veggies, and meats are mostly the same, a lot of the smaller snacks and comfort foods from the U.S. are hard to find. Another thing I have found funny is how nothing here is spicy, even when it says it is. I have even been warned that certain dishes would be spicy, only to find they are incredibly mild.
As for the city of Madrid, I do not even know where to begin. It is huge, energetic, and full of life. No matter what day of the week it is, there is always something happening. One thing I have learned quickly is that Spanish is widely spoken here, and it is important to know at least some basic phrases before arriving. It is not uncommon to walk into a store or restaurant where no one speaks English, but that is what makes this experience so exciting. You are truly immersed in a new culture and constantly stepping outside your comfort zone.
In just two months, I have already had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland, Germany, and several other cities within Spain. I cannot wait to see where the rest of this journey takes me
