Studying in Spain was the biggest step out of my comfort zone I have ever taken. This period of time forced me into assuming a strong sense of independence unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was living in a space where I had to completely rely on myself to communicate with a different language. In the moment, it could be difficult to work around unknown words and language barriers, but challenging myself was so rewarding when looking back at the lessons I had learned. Whether I was talking to my host during dinner, ordering coffee, or meeting random women at the bus stop, I was practicing communication in a way I used to think would never be a reality. Taking this leap has given me the confidence to carry these lessons with me since completing the program.

I quickly learned that every student was going to leave with a unique experience and perspective than myself. Everyone will spend their time in Spain slightly differently. No matter how much time you spend in a country, it is near impossible to experience every city, restaurant, or sight they have to offer. There was no point in comparing the way I spent my weekend in one city to a classmate who chose to visit a different place. Both experiences were valid and important on their own, simply just different from each other. It is easy to focus on the things you missed out on, but more fulfilling to think about everything you accomplished in a limited amount of time. Prioritizing your own goals when traveling allows you to look back without regret. 

Knowing that my time in Spain was confined to one month also encouraged me to stay dedicated to living in the moment. From the beginning, I tried to appreciate the little details of Spanish living because these are the things that make the place—my favorite Spanish words and phrases, the beauty of the architecture on my way to class, the storks living on the roofs of university buildings, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, sharing late-night tapas—are all small aspects of my experience that significantly contributed to the general sense of love I gained for Alcalá de Henares and Spain as a whole. I will only participate in this program once in my lifetime, and I find value in holding on to these pieces of my memories as time goes on. At the start of the program, I decided to keep a journal—a hobby I have tried in the past, but I had never fully dedicated myself to it until this program. Certain moments of this month may fade from the forefront of my mind, but I will now always have a glimpse into the person I was at this point in time. I have continued keeping my journal since returning from Spain and plan to do so as much as possible. Taking note of the little things sounds cliche, but it really allows you to look at the past with an amazing perspective.