An Experience I'll Never Forget...

          On May 29, 2012, I embarked on a journey that I will never forget. This is the day I said goodbye to my friends and family in New York to Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain. The next month of my life would be spent living in another country - with a different language, culture, and lifestyle. There is no doubt that I was incredibly nervous as I boarded the plane. A million thoughts raced through my mind. Would I be able to adapt to this new and different lifestyle? Would I make new friends? Would I be able to communicate effectively with my host family? Even though I had a traveling companion, I still felt alone. The 8 hour flight left plenty of my time for all sorts of thoughts to run through my mind, but there was no turning back.
          Landing in Madrid felt surreal. When we walked out of the airport, it was like being in a whole new world - completely different sights and sounds than New York. I spent the drive to our new home looking out the window trying to soak it all in. We were greeted outside our apartment by our host mom, Marí. It was finally beginning to hit me - this is where I would be living for the next month.
          Although I was extremely nervous and unsure about my decision, studying abroad in Madrid was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life - and I conquered it all on my own. I met amazing people, experienced and lived a completely different culture and lifestyle, tried new foods, and grew as a person. Some of my favorite experiences in Madrid include:

• touring Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Castle) 
• watching Spain win the Eurocup
• observing the incredible architecture 
• visiting art museums (Prado, Reina Sofía)  
• meeting new people from all over the country (San Francisco, Texas, Wisconsin) 
• trying different tapas (appetizers) 
• enjoying home-made Paella and sangria 
• shopping at El Rastro (outdoor flea market)
• watching amazing Flamenco dancers  

Overall, studying abroad in Madrid was an amazing experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. If you are lucky enough to have an opportunity such as this, I recommend that you take advantage of it.