It is with a heavy heart that I say that I am leaving Sevilla in three short weeks. I thought that my last blog post would be a fantastic opportunity to reflect on all the ways that studying abroad has changed me. When I look back on my first few days in Spain, I had no idea what was in store for me. Here are some of the life lessons I have learned during my time in Spain.
You will miss home…until Sevilla becomes your new home.
It didn’t take long after my arrival in Spain to take note of the surface level amenities that I took for granted in America. I missed the convenience of knowing that you will have toilet paper in your bathroom. I missed being able to get all of my food to go. I missed cooking in my kitchen with my friends. Although these perceived shortcomings that came along with my new life in a foreign country sparked a pang of homesickness in me, I quickly realized that they paled in comparison to all of the beautiful things about adjusting to the Spanish lifestyle. I know take pride in walking around the city without a map, speaking with my local friends, and feeling homesick whenever I leave for a weekend vacation. If you decide to study abroad here, don’t take for granted all the fantastic things the city has to offer you. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is worth the growing pains.
You will make lifelong friends instantly.
When I found out I was moving into a house with 12 stranger, I was intimidated by what the future would hold. What are they like to live with? Will they like me? My fears quickly vanished when I met my roommates on the first day. It is incredible how easy it is to bond with others when you are all put into a foreign environment. I can say with confidence that I can rely on my roommates for anything and everything. It has been a pleasure to live and grow with each, and every one of them and I am forever grateful to CEA for pairing me with some of the most amazing girls I know.
It won’t be easy.
I would be lying if I said my time abroad had been all sunshine and rainbows. Even in a magical city like Seville life has a way of kicking you down from time to time. When you miss a flight or take a taxi to the wrong destination, it is essential to look at every mistake as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is essential to take a step back and be grateful for everything this experience has brought you. I know I am.
Seville, I love you. I will be back.
Tripping with Maddie 