I can hardly believe I’ve already been in Madrid for almost two months. One of the best parts of this exchange has been the incredible friends I’ve made, Spanish locals who’ve shown me the real Madrid, French students who’ve taught me that dinner should last three hours, Portuguese friends who know all the best spots, and fellow Americans who understand this wild mix of homesickness and adventure. These friendships have transformed my exchange from a solo journey into something so much richer. We share meals that blend our cultures, navigate language barriers with lots of laughter, and create memories that I know will last forever.
Beyond Madrid, I’ve been exploring as much as possible. I’ve visited different parts of Spain, with Sevilla being my absolute favorite; the narrow streets, the Alcázar gardens, and the passion of flamenco were unforgettable. I’ve also explored further to Munich and Morocco, each offering completely different experiences that reminded me how lucky I am to be studying in Europe. And the adventure isn’t over yet! I have trips planned to Paris, Scotland, and Italy. These two months have taught me that exchange is about saying yes to spontaneous plans, building a global family, learning from distinguished professors, and discovering that home can be many places at once. Here’s to the adventures still to come!
