This past summer I studied abroad in Spain and it's something I think about almost every day. My program included multiple day and overnight trips traveling all around Spain. We were based in Madrid, where we stayed with host families who only spoke Spanish. So, to answer your question — Yes, we had to have some knowledge of some Spanish and if you didn't, then good luck, Charlie.
After my time abroad, I have been a huge advocate of getting people interested in doing the same. With that being said, here are my three reasons you should study abroad.
1. You discover a new found independence.
There were so many small moments in Spain where I found myself doing so many things alone. These were all minor things, like walking to the shops near our house and shopping alone. You are now placed in a situation where you can't rely on someone else to help you communicate with the locals. Through this, I had some of my best conversations with the locals and was able to get an understanding of how they lived and they also asked me about my life in America.
The metro system plays a key role in getting around Madrid. The metro is used by everyone; people heading to work, students on their way to school and people just heading out for plans. There are so many different stations all around the area, with so many places you can go to that it can get confusing — and let me tell you, it was confusing. But, after a while, I got an idea of where each station was located and got an idea of what two trains we had to take to get to certain places.
There was one time where I was meeting some friends at a park and I had to take one metro to get to the first stop, then hop on the second metro to reach my location. I was honestly so nervous that I would get lost and get on the wrong train and end up on the complete other side of Madrid. My fear almost stopped me from going, but I was confident in my Spanish abilities that if I was in that position, I would know how to get home. I ended up going and made it to the park, safe and sound.
That small moment instilled so much confidence in me that now I feel like I am able to do anything.
2. You literally get to travel.
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do and I will never pass up the opportunity to explore new places and immerse myself in the unfamiliar.
Nowadays, I see so many posts all over social media expressing how badly people want to travel and go see the world. Well, act upon your words and go do it! While you are out traveling, go ahead and get some credits knocked out of the way too.
It's one thing to say you want to do something and it's another thing to go out and make it happen for yourself.
3. You can take so many pictures.
I am a big picture girl and will never miss an opportunity to capture the moment. There is so much beauty outside of the world we know, and when you go abroad you are exposed to all of that. Our country has so much beauty to offer us, but each place around the world is different. Some of my favorite pictures came from this trip and all of the picture-perfect scenery that Spain had. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a cute picture of yourself to post on Instagram or have one to change your profile picture.
Keep in mind that every experience is different and what you make of it, is what you will get out of it.
- 5 things I've learned in my first week studying abroad in Spain ›
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad in Spain ›
