As my study abroad in Madrid comes to an end, I have taken the past couple of days to reflect on the semester with a sentimental heart.
From the very beginning, I was extremely excited to study abroad and throw myself into a country that I had never been. The first thing that I noticed about Madrid was the liveliness of the people and the city, which is something that never changed. Throughout the day, while walking along the streets, there were always people sitting outside having a drink, grabbing a bite, and conversing.
One of the things that I will say I underestimated was the language barrier. Obviously, traveling to a new country that speaks a whole different language, I knew that I would have some trouble and would need to catch on to some of the language. Although I was able to get by, I wish that I spent more time learning Spanish so that I could’ve had deeper conversations with the Spanish people that I met.
With that being said, my time abroad has totally shifted and broadened my perspective and understanding. Being so close to other countries around Spain, I had the opportunity to visit countries like Morocco and Finland. Traveling to a new place also meant experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. Seeing how different the architecture, food, and overall way of life are in these countries really elevated my perspective. I was able to see just how beautiful and complex each culture is, instilling a deep appreciation for every culture and its values.
The culture of Madrid itself was also very eye-opening. A culture that prioritized leisure, sharing time over a meal or drink, and living in the moment was something that I was not used to. Coming from a culture that is individualistic and fast-paced, it is easy to go through the day without being truly present. It goes without saying that no culture is better than another. However, I do believe that exposing yourself to different cultures allows you to take different parts of it to broaden your perspective and view on life. Immersing myself in the Spanish culture, I tried to be present in everything that I did and realized how lucky I am to be in this position. That gratitude allowed me to cherish and enjoy each and every day.
Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I’ve made to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. The people I’ve met, the cultures I’ve experienced, the places I’ve visited, and the memories that I have made throughout this journey will be ones that I will never forget.
