Unlike many of my peers who studied abroad, I don’t feel as if my semester in Granada changed my life—but I count that as a good thing. I watched my classmates find independence in Spain and learn to fend for themselves. As I watched them discover adulthood, I realized just how much Northeastern had already taught me. My three semesters in Boston gave me the tools to take on the world with grace and humility, and my time abroad made me incredibly appreciative of my Northeastern education. That isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy my semester abroad. Rather, it felt simply like an extension of my Northeastern experience whereas this semester was an entirely new experience for many of my peers. I would say that while my Spanish did improve here in Spain, I spent much of my four months with other Americans. Coming to Spain with an organized program had its benefits, but I am eager to immerse myself in the Spanish-speaking world more fully. I’m hoping an international coop will give me that opportunity and that working abroad will allow me to take my language skills even further. I think my experience abroad this semester will better prepare me for future endeavors outside of the United States. I was more homesick than I had anticipated, and the time difference between Spain and California (where my family lives) ended up feeling very significant. I couldn’t talk to my mom until at least 6:00 PM Spanish time, and that often left me frustrated. Studying abroad in Europe also gave me incredible travel opportunities. I was able to see so much more than Spain, and I really feel that experiencing different cities and countries added to my cultural immersion. That being said, I look forward to having international experiences that allow me to get to know a single location in greater depth. I think the two study abroad mindsets both have benefits, and I am eager to compare the two. Overall, I would say my largest takeaway from my semester in Granada is a greater appreciation for, well, everything. My pride for Northeastern grew. My mind was forced to stay open. My love for history and architecture was sparked and inspired over and over. Most importantly, though, I came to appreciate my privilege, and that awareness made the opportunities I had before me all the more rewarding.
