My study abroad semester was a truly enriching experience that I will never forget. I learned so much about the world — different cultures, and about myself. For my time abroad, I studied at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain. I took 15 credit hours, but I still had lots of time to explore/travel. During my 5 months, I was able to visit 19 cities, 7 countries, and 2 continents. In order, they are (Spain) Madrid, El Escorial, Segovia, Toledo, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, Tenerife, Mallorca, (Portugal) Lisbon, (Switzerland) Geneva, (France) Chamonix, (Africa) Morocco, (Italy) Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Pompeii, and Amalfi. Studying abroad was my very first time outside of the US, and so I tried to make the most of it. I got to explore a variety of new foods and activities that I always dreamed of. I rode camels in Africa, went paragliding in the Canary Islands, skied the French Alps, and rode a gondola in Venice. I broadened my knowledge of the cultures of the world, and I ultimately became more open-minded as a result of my experience. Seeing the ways of life in other countries really allowed me to have much more gratitude and appreciation for what I have. Also, I feel as if I truly learned more about myself than I did about the world. I discovered so many things about myself that I had not previously realized, and I became more in tune with my identity.

I do have some tips I’d like to share for those studying abroad in general. First, be open-minded and willing to branch out. You never know who you might meet at a hostel and what adventures they can bring you on. By talking to a variety of people all from different cultures, you can expand your horizons and discover the most interesting people. Second, try not to stay in your home base. You’ll likely be very close to many different countries, so get out there and explore! There’s so much to the world, and if we stay in one spot in our discomfort, you may miss out on many opportunities and blessings. And finally, it’s okay to be overwhelmed! You’re in an entirely new place, with new people, and probably a new language. Take it easy, and cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to have it all figured out, because I surely didn’t. Find bliss in the unknown, for that might be the very place that changes your life.

I really wish I had branched out more during my time abroad. I planned out ALL of my trips for my 5 months in Spain during the first week, and I planned them all with the people I met during my first week there. I really wish I hadn’t done this because although they were fun to travel with, I wasn’t able to really branch out and travel with new people because I had already plan the trips. You’ll also find that after traveling with the same squad over a long period, you will start to get annoyed and conflicts may occur.

Regardless, my time abroad was one of the most amazing times of my life, and the memories I made will NEVER escape my mind. I have since developed a love for traveling and hope to make it a core part of my future.