Hello again!! I’m Rachael, and I’m two weeks into my study abroad program, Pitt in Spain. These past weeks have been full of new experiences, classes, and fun activities. I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and it’s hard to believe it’s already halfway over.

Navigating any kind of new environment can be challenging, but this is especially true in a foreign country. Before I left, my program advisor went over some strategies for dealing with culture shock. I hadn’t anticipated feeling much homesickness, but during my first few days here I felt a little lonely and out of place. I knew it was important to meet new people and go to social gatherings, but for introverts like me, this can feel more draining than exciting. However, after a few days I made friends with some other students in my program. We met up at the cafeteria every day and planned weekend excursions together. I felt much better once I had other people to talk to about my experiences, and I’m glad I got to meet them!

Another challenging part of this experience is adjusting to a new routine. I’m someone who likes to have a structured schedule to the day, but in a program like this, being adaptable is essential. It can be tricky to figure out a balance between classes and activities. I’m finding my classes to be extremely interesting. I love being able to learn about Spanish history in the locations where it happened, and it’s great to learn about the culture from the people who know it best: Spaniards themselves. While I tend to prioritize schoolwork above all else, this trip I’ve had to realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m here to learn about Spain outside of the classroom as well. I’ve settled into a new routine of giving myself the freedom to explore the cities and culture of Spain while making sure to set aside enough time for homework. I’m also learning how to adapt to the daily schedule of Spain. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m starting to adjust to the later schedule for meals and to staying up late for customary conversations with my host family. One valuable piece of advice is to fully embrace the new customs and lifestyle of your environment rather than rejecting them. Once I stopped trying to stick to my typical routine, I started to enjoy myself much more, and I realized it’s much more rewarding to be flexible than rigid.

While studying abroad may come with some obstacles like these, remember that they’re manageable and that overall it’s an amazing experience! One of my favorite things so far has been the day trip I took to Segovia with a few of my friends. The Roman Aqueduct in Segovia is extremely well preserved and stunning to behold. I loved walking through the old streets and seeing so much history in person. I also enjoyed touring the Alcázar of Segovia and getting to see the inside of a medieval castle. We even got to climb up the tower and see an incredible view of the city. Being able to make connections between what I witness in person and what I learn in the classroom has greatly enhanced my educational experience. I can’t wait to learn more and visit more of Spain’s amazing cities!