Studying abroad in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, was one of the most transformative and rewarding experiences of my college career. From the very beginning, I had a feeling it would be special, but I had no idea just how much it would impact me. Like many others, I had always dreamed of studying abroad. I wanted the full experience, which included, a new culture, new people, a chance to use my Spanish in real conversations, and of course, some unforgettable memories. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I’d connect with the place, the people, and even the everyday routines that made Spain feel like home.

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When we arrived in Madrid for those first two days, I was already in awe. Everything, from the architecture to the effortless style of people walking the streets, it felt exciting and fresh, especially since I had never been to Europe before this. It wasn’t culture shock, it was just a new rhythm to life that I couldn’t wait to learn. Then came the train ride to Santiago, a rainy welcome, and the reality that this was going to be my home for the next four months. Meeting my host family was one of the most impactful parts of the experience. Like so many others in the program, I was nervous at first of course. But from the moment they greeted me at the train station, I felt taken care of and safe. They quickly became some of my favorite people I met in Spain. They were always there to help me, to cook for me, to chat about Spanish culture or even American TV shows we watched together in Spanish. They are a family I will for sure always keep in touch with throughout my entire life. 

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Our daily routine started to feel very natural. Starting with waking up for class, grabbing a coffee during our break, speaking only in Spanish during lectures, and spending afternoons exploring the city or hanging out with new friends. Volunteering or working on group projects with classmates, most of them were from around the world, really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow. We even found ways to live like locals, whether it was getting gelato after long walks, watching soccer games at the bar, or trying to figure out the public bus system.

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One of the most memorable parts of the semester was walking part of the Camino de Santiago. We were told it would be a beautiful and life changing experience. I was not prepared for what was to come. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate either, it poured rain for two days straight, which was not ideal. But despite the freezing rain, hiking those miles felt like a movie and it was something that I had never experienced before. My legs and feet hurt for days after and it was very hard to recover from that. I don't think I would do it again, but it was definitely something I will never forget. 

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And of course, studying abroad wasn’t perfect. There were moments I wished I’d been in classes with more native Spanish students or had more chances to connect with the local university community. But looking back, I made the most of what I had, by talking to every local who would chat with me, by trying every food, I even tried octopus, and if you know me this would be very shocking because I am a very picky eater. 

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More than anything, my semester abroad taught me how to live fully in the moment. I learned how to slow down, how to be okay doing things alone, and how to appreciate the small things. Studying abroad also allowed me to travel to so many different countries that I never thought I would have the experience to ever in my life. Santiago de Compostela wasn’t just a place I visited, it became a part of me. The friends I made, the Spanish I spoke, even when it wasn’t perfect, and the memories I collected will stay with me forever. This wasn’t just a semester abroad, to me it was a life changing adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.