Why did you pick this program?
pain was always somewhere I wanted to study since I was in high school. I have studied so much about Spanish history, culture and art that I wanted to experience it all for myself. Additionally, IES Abroad Madrid was a complete Spanish immersion program, so all my classes were in Spanish! I thought this was the perfect program to help strengthen my Spanish speaking abilities, writing and reading comprehension.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Go for it, because honestly, why not? I always tell my friends who are thinking of going abroad to ask themselves, what other time in your life will this opportunity present itself? Because unfortunately it could be never since life happens and people get busy. Studying in another country is an opportunity you should not miss out on no matter what!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
You will get lost. Over, and over, and over again. And that is totally okay! Getting lost is all apart of the experience! You will learn how to read a map, be resourceful and gain the courage to ask complete strangers for help. Sometimes getting lost is an exciting way to stumble upon a new part of the city you never knew existed; whether it's a funky restaurant, a cozy bookstore, or cool park!
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Attending two Real Madrid games! The stadium and the fans are unreal! Soccer is such a big part of Spanish life, that attending a game was a great cultural experience.
What's the hardest part about going abroad?
Studying abroad can be tough, at first. It's important to remind yourself that you are going to a foreign country and that the customs, culture, cuisine, language, and lifestyle will different from what you are used to. This is something that can be more challenging for some students rather than others. Feeling uncomfortable is a normal part of the transition period, and it will go away! It took me about three weeks to feel entirely comfortable in Madrid, and once that happened, I began to have one of the greatest experiences of my life!