Studying abroad is an exciting and life-altering experience. However, it is no secret that it can definitely be overwhelming considering the big changes that occur. As a student-athlete at Hamilton College, one of my biggest concerns (and my coaches’, haha) before arriving in Alicante, Spain was how I was going to maintain my physical and mental health. This was something that was important in thinking about, as I wanted to truly immerse myself in the new culture, while still taking care of my mind and body. Between adjusting to a completely new way of life, exploring a new city, traveling around Europe, and balancing academics, I quickly realized that prioritizing my wellness was key in making the most of my time abroad. 

This is a photo of me walking after a long run. Wearing biker shorts in the middle of the day, along with my Philadelphia hat, definitely attracted some stares, but I loved being outside while the sun was shining. Running was one of my favorite ways to stay active and explore Alicante at the same time! 

One of the first things I learned was how to adapt my fitness routine to my new environment. Back home, I had a structured workout schedule with my specific gym, certain trails, etc. After taking some time to explore the city, I was able to take advantage of Alicante’s beautiful coastline by going for runs along Playa del Postiguet, hiking up Castillo de Santa Bárbara, and even doing some local outdoor workouts with my friends. 

This was taken on my way up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara. As you can see, there were a LOT of steps on this path—making for an unexpected but rewarding workout. The climb was worth it, though, as the view from the top was absolutely breathtaking! 

Traveling to different cities and countries on the weekends was incredibly exciting, but also exhausting and stressful! To keep up with all the adventures, I made sure to fuel my body with colorful, nutrient-packed meals. This delicious spread was from Honest Greens in Barcelona, and I’d rate it a 10/10. 

I also discovered that simply walking everywhere, whether to the market, beach, or the tram station, kept me active in a way that felt natural and enjoyable. I was also really lucky to be able to join the gym at the Universidad de Alicante, giving me great access to machines and weights. 

Dancing was another great way to stay active! This photo is from one of our CEA CAPA excursions, where we learned flamenco dancing. Whether it was flamenco, salsa, or just dancing at a bar or club, movement in any form was such a fun way to immerse ourselves in the culture and stay energized. 

This is a picture of me at the beach in Benidorm, Spain (about a 45-minute tram ride from Alicante). Exploring new cities definitely involved a LOT of walking, but I also loved strolling along the beach with my roommates and watching the sunset. Sometimes, my roommates and I would bring a picnic and soak in the view at the beach in Alicante, while other times, I’d go solo to meditate or practice yoga. It was the perfect way to slow down and reflect on my time abroad. 

Eating well was another important aspect of my health journey abroad. I loved experiencing Spain’s rich food culture, but I also wanted to find a balance between indulging in delicious local dishes and nourishing my body. I also had to navigate grocery shopping and cooking for myself, which turned into a fun way to explore local markets and learn about seasonal Spanish produce. At college, we live on campus and have an unlimited meal plan, so cooking for myself was definitely a learning curve! 

This is a picture of a meal I made with my roommate, Erin. We loved cooking together during our time abroad! Pictured here is our homemade Chicken Parmigiana, and it was amazing. We also had fun making tacos, various salsas, salads, stir-fries, and even had an “American-style” night complete with homemade Chick-fil-A sauce! 

Properly fueling my body while immersing myself in a new culture definitely included sweet treats! My roommates and I were absolutely helpless when it came to gelato. One of our favorite spots was Livanti, and the fact that it was just down the street from our apartment made it even more dangerous (but so worth it!). 

However, wellness isn’t just about physical health, it’s also about mental well-being. At times, adjusting to life abroad felt overwhelming, and I found comfort in establishing routines that kept me grounded. Taking time for solo café mornings, journaling and doing yoga at the beach, and staying connected with friends and family back home helped me manage homesickness and fully embrace the experience. I also made an effort to engage with the local community, whether through language exchanges or cultural events, which made Alicante feel like home. 

This is a picture of a morning I had at a café nearby. My apartment was located on the main street in Alicante, so everywhere we went in the city was pretty much within walking distance. Something I will always cherish were the slow mornings I had by myself, giving me time to enjoy the food, get some work done, and reflect. 

This experience taught me that staying healthy while abroad isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan; it’s about adapting, being mindful, and embracing new ways to care for yourself. Moving forward, I’ll carry the lessons I learned in Spain into my everyday life. 

This is a photo of my roommates at what we called the "swimming hole," a hidden gem in Alicante recommended by a local. Swimming here or in the ocean became one of my favorite ways to stay active, especially as the heat in Alicante intensified. 

Something that was crucial to my mental health was having a support system. Without my family and friends back home, my roommates became my family. I loved going out with them socially, having meals and cooking together, and exploring Alicante together. I will forever be grateful to Alicante and CEA CAPA for bringing us together, and I can’t wait to start planning our reunion soon.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Mental Health in Alicante: 

• Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, you're adapting to a lot! It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or tired at times.  
• Embrace the Feels: Homesickness and sadness are natural responses to leaving loved ones behind. These feelings will lessen as you adjust.  
• Talk It Out: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or confidante. Their support can be invaluable.  
• Embrace the New: Be open to experiencing new things and ways of doing things in Alicante.  
• Set Realistic Goals: Celebrate small victories as you navigate your new environment.  
• Practice the Language: Even speaking a few words a day goes a long way in connecting with the culture and locals.  
• Find Your Community: Explore hobbies, sports, or volunteer opportunities to meet new people who share your interests.  
• Self-Care is Key: Prioritize a healthy sleep schedule, nutritious meals, and regular exercise.  
• Stress Relief Techniques: Yoga or meditation can be a fantastic way to manage stress and promote relaxation.  
• Believe in Yourself: You are a strong, capable individual with more resources than you think!  

Remember, CEA CAPA is here for you! We have a wealth of resources available to help you thrive during your time in Alicante. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance. Together, we can ensure you have a positive and enriching study abroad experience.