Experiences Gained and Memories Made While Studying Abroad in Madrid
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine since I was old enough to know what it meant. Before moving to Madrid for this semester I was overwhelmed with a variety of emotions: excitement, anxiety, fear, happiness, etc. Continuously, my expectations were limited and I really had no idea of what was going to happen or what I was going to learn and experience.
Being abroad now for two months, I am able to reflect on all the opportunities I have had the privilege to take on, and realize the impact it has had on me as a person and in my life. Even in just this short amount of time I can confidently say that I have been forever changed. Aside from having the most incredible time living in Madrid I have had the privilege of traveling to six countries and twelve cities/destinations total. Each place and each day living abroad has brought me new perspectives and taught me so much about the world and who I am as a person.
Within the streets of Madrid I have found another place I can call home.
Italy has proven time and time again how easy it is to experience a small burst of joy from something as simple as gelato.
Immersing myself in different cultures, learning a bit of all the languages, trying new foods, exploring aimlessly, traveling with my friends, and taking on this new independence has made me grow so much. Europe has given me new perspectives and ideas of how I want to live my life moving forward in many ways. I admire the overwhelming happiness the people I’ve encountered feel here.
The simplicity and togetherness I felt in Florence made me realize how much I love community and people just experiencing life alongside each other.
The Tomorrowland winter festival in Alpe de Huez, France showed me how powerful music can be and how important it is to find connection with people through music.
In Madrid, there are always people out on the streets enjoying time with their friends and there is a priority of togetherness. In Paris, it was so special to see how much focus they give to perfecting the flavors of a baguette, cheese, and jam combo.
Paris showed me how something as simple as a picnic of bread, cheese, and jam with my friends can bring ultimate happiness.
Valletta, Malta showed me how a place so historic could be so charming and picturesque at the same time.
In Dublin, the joy and excitement coming from the locals seeing people across Europe traveling to celebrate one of their national holidays was so unique. Bansko, Bulgaria was like being transported to a different world, and living the small ski-town life for a weekend was a dream.
Bansko, Bulgaria transported me to a different world and showed me what the beauty of a small ski town life looks like.
Visiting my best friends in Barcelona showed me the importance of friendship and how meaningful it is that we can continue to make memories while away from home.
Dublin, Ireland showed me how incredible it is that one holiday could bring people from all around the world to celebrate together.
What connects all these places together are the overwhelming emotions of happiness and gratefulness I feel after each one. After each new plane ride, place, and day, my feelings of thankfulness and gratitude grow.
Moving forward, and when I travel back to the States, I will be carrying with me a piece of every experience and bringing more joy, peace, and fulfillment to everything I do. I am forever changed by this time abroad, and will remember it forever.
Overall, studying abroad has shown me what it means to be truly and joyfully FREE.
