Many people always encourage college students to try and study abroad if they can because it is the best experience ever. No one seems to be able to really put into words why their study abroad experience was soo amazing.

I chose to study abroad because:

1. It is a different experience,

2. I’ll be able to travel to many places, and

3. I mean it’s the last time I’ll be able to travel on my parent's dime because after college no more financial help from mom or dad.

How did I choose where I wanted to study?

Well, many logical people choose a program that is geared towards their major, hence most of the classes are relevant and important to their major. However, I just looked at the list of different places to go and I chose the place that I’d always wanted to travel to: Spain. Actually, out of everywhere, I narrowed it down to Germany and Spain. I have always and continue to want to go to German but I don’t know ANY German so trying to fully immerse myself in the culture would be difficult if I can’t speak the language. Spain, well, it’s in Europe and close to other countries so I’d be able to travel to many surrounding places for probably a cheap price and I’ve taken Spanish classes for what seems like forever, aka, three years in high school, two years in college and I’m still taking the classes now. SO since I can somewhat speak Spanish and I’ve taken so many classes I figured I’d minor in Spanish and go to Spain to get some of the credits completed.

Well, that was probably the best choice I made. I’ve only been in Seville, Spain for two and half weeks and I already love this place. It is very different from the United States and at first, I was home sick and a tad bit wondering if I really should’ve studied abroad, but those feelings quickly disappeared after the fourth day here. I realized that the only reason why I feel sad is because I’m just uncomfortable because I’m doing something that is outside of my comfort zone. Of course, I would be much more comfortable in my own house than in my host family’s house but how can you have fun, crazy, and amazing experiences when you constantly sit inside your comfort zone??? You can’t.

What helped me get comfortable was when I told myself to stop being such a Debbie downer, don’t think of a comfort zone, and just enjoy the ride.

I’m in Spain.

What the heck. It is so crazy to think about! This city is so amazing though because it has so much beauty and can make you so at ease. The people are extremely kind, I don’t think I’ve come across any grouchy person. The buildings and neighborhoods are beautiful. The food is delicious. The social aspect of the Spanish people is great. Everything that seems so different than the US is what makes this city so comfortable. My journey has just begun and I am more excited than see what’s in store for the next three months.