On my flight here, I don’t think I’ve ever felt excitement and fear hit me at the exact same time like this. It was this strange mix of I can’t believe I’m doing this and wait… what if I’m not ready. I kept staring out the window, thinking about how far I was going from everything familiar to me.
The first two weeks were honestly rough. It’s been cold, rainy, and kind of chaotic. I’ve missed trains, gotten lost, and had moments where I just stood there feeling overwhelmed and alone. Those tiny frustrations hit harder when you’re in a new country and still trying to figure out how everything works.
But even with all of that, I fell in love with this city almost immediately. There’s something about the way life moves here, slower and softer. Tapas is just as fun as I imagined it to be. I live with some other A&M students here and have met up with the others, and it has been so nice to have that community as we are all getting adjusted. It’s only been two weeks, but it already feels like we’re building our own little family away from home.
The other day, the sun finally came out, and it felt like the whole city shifted. I went exploring, grabbed a coffee and a croissant, sat outside, and journaled. It was such a simple moment, but it felt like everything clicked. Like all the nerves, the missed trains, the cold mornings, they were worth it for that one quiet moment where I felt like everything was absolutely perfect.
Meeting new people has been one of the best parts. I love hearing about their upbringing, their stories, and their life in another country. It’s wild how different everyone’s lives are, but sometimes someone will laugh or say something that reminds me of my friends back home.
Honestly, the support from home has meant everything. So many people have been calling, checking in, telling me how excited and proud they are. Having that connection, hearing familiar voices, knowing people are supporting me, makes the homesickness feel easier.
The culture here feels more reserved and calm compared to the U.S. People walk everywhere; they take their time, they don’t rush the way we do. I’m still adjusting, but I’m also already in love with the lifestyle here. I’m not fully settled yet, but I can feel myself stretching and growing already. It’s emotional, overwhelming, and everything I dreamed of, all at once.
