My 30-day study abroad program in Madrid has unfortunately come to an end, and looking back on it, one month has never gone by faster! Every day was filled with new experiences, from exploring different neighborhoods and coffee shops, learning about historical landmarks, meeting new people, or even just learning new phrases in Spanish! The classes I took at my university (Nebrija) were engaging, fun spaces where I learned more Spanish than I ever have while making lasting friendships.
My experiences in Madrid have enabled me to grow both personally and professionally. Most importantly, I feel a newfound sense of confidence. Being abroad alone has taught me to adapt to a completely different culture, to make choices quickly and confidently, to build relationships with people from different parts of the world, to navigate an urban environment on my own, and to practice speaking Spanish with locals, regardless of whether I make a mistake. Whether it was figuring out the metro (lots of trial and error), deciding which cultural sites to prioritize, planning weekend trips to Italy and Ibiza, or even just navigating different airports in general (which is something I’m not used to since it’s my first time going abroad alone), Madrid has empowered me with resilience and resourcefulness that will serve me well both personally and professionally.
Additionally, my experience in Madrid has made me realize how strongly I feel that travel should play a major role in my future plans. The city’s vibrant energy and rich history sparked a deep curiosity within me, inspiring my desire to continue exploring the world. Each interaction I had with a local, neighborhood I discovered, or small business I entered has left a lasting impression on me, and shaped my worldview.
Academically, Madrid has reignited my love for Spanish. My last Spanish class was in high school, and I forgot how much I love the language. I have decided that I want to continue my Spanish education by pursuing a minor at Pitt. I believe that this will contribute to my future career in medicine since Spanish is commonly spoken across the United States, and I will be better able to communicate with my Spanish-speaking patients!
Overall, Madrid was an enlightening experience where I was not only able to learn about a new culture, but I was also able to learn more about myself. I think it’s because I was completely removed from my environment at home – the people, places, cultural norms, etc. – I was able to understand my true self clearly without my environment telling me I’m something else. I felt free, grounded, and more connected to the world around me than ever before. Madrid taught me the beauty of embracing unfamiliarity and stepping out of my comfort zone. It will always hold a special place in my heart as a city where I not only improved my Spanish, but also discovered more about myself than I ever expected.
