When I first arrived to study abroad, I thought the experience would mostly be about travel and checking places off a list. I expected to see beautiful cities, try new food, and take classes in a different setting. While all of that did happen, my time abroad ended up changing me in ways I did not fully anticipate.
Travel became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. I loved the freedom of moving between countries and cultures so easily, and each place I visited left a different impression on me. Madeira felt peaceful and almost unreal, with its dramatic landscapes and slower pace of life. Malta surprised me with its history and the way ancient architecture blends seamlessly with the sea. Porto stood out for its warmth, its food, and the feeling that life there is meant to be enjoyed rather than rushed. Copenhagen, on the other hand, showed me a different rhythm of life altogether, one that prioritizes design, balance, and everyday intentionality. Traveling to these places taught me how many different ways there are to live a full and meaningful life.
What I did not expect was how deeply I would fall in love with Madrid itself. The culture of the city completely reshaped my idea of daily life. Nights start late and end even later, meals are meant to be shared and lingered over, and the city is always alive. Some of my favorite moments were the simplest ones: walking through neighborhoods at night, stopping for food without a plan, and feeling the energy of the city all around me. Madrid taught me to slow down, be present, and enjoy where I am rather than constantly thinking about what comes next.
My initial impression was that studying abroad would be temporary, something I would enjoy and then move on from. Instead, it gave me a sense of clarity about what I want long term. I can now confidently say that I want to move back to Madrid and build a life here. This city did not just feel like a place I visited. It felt like a place I belong.
