For anyone that is on the fence about studying abroad, do it. It is the most amazing experience and I promise you won’t regret it. I’ve been in Spain for almost a month-and-a-half now and I’ve never had more fun in my entire life. The friends that I’ve met here, the mountains I’ve climbed, beach soccer by the Mediterranean, celebrating my 21st birthday in “El Barrio”, my wonderful host parents, and nights out on the town in Alicante are things I wouldn’t change for the world.
Spain is quite different from America. Time is not a priority to Spaniards like it is to Americans, so everything is very relaxed here, which brings me to the phenomenon of “siesta”. From about 2-5pm every day, virtually the entire country goes on snooze and naps for a few hours. If there is one thing America is missing, it’s that because nothing is better than coming home from school and going right to sleep.
Traveling is also a very big part of why I love being here. Spain’s location makes it very convenient to explore different places, so in two weeks we’re going to Amsterdam and in about a month we’re all set to backpack through Italy, Germany, France, and Morocco before we finish the semester in Portugal. I never thought I’d be able to say that!
As it also turns out, there’s something similar between Iowa City and Alicante. There is a cantina here named Cactus! It obviously doesn’t compete with the Iowa City Cactus we all love so much, because who could replace those margaritas? But, it’s a start! I’ve also met many Hawkeyes here that are studying abroad, so it’s very cool that the friendships being built here will carry on in America.
There is so much more that I can say about my time abroad because it has already changed my life. With every approaching day comes a new adventure, and being here with my best friends and all of the other people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting has me smiling from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep.