Studying abroad is the holy grail for students who wish to explore the wonders of the world, while still staying on track with school. However, balancing fun and focus is easier said than done (especially in the bustling city of Madrid). I must admit that, since this is my first time traveling to Madrid, I felt extremely overwhelmed just by thinking about all the places I wanted to visit and all the classic tourist things I wanted to do. This feeling aggravated once classes started, and I got a sense of all the workload that was coming my way. However, after a few weeks here, I jotted down four main tips that have helped me navigate the amusing maze of life abroad. Hopefully, you can apply these tips while trying to achieve efficiency in your study abroad program, regardless if you come here to Madrid or anywhere else.
1- Plan, plan, plan (even fun-time!): Agendas and weekly planners are your friends. Every Sunday, I revise my agenda to ensure that my upcoming week is planned out. Life abroad is unpredictable, so having a set to-do list helps me tackle the stress that comes with last-minute changes. As contradicting as this sounds, I always schedule fun-time. Whether it’s a few hours in the middle of the week or a full Saturday afternoon, it is essential for me to block time slots to explore Madrid (I will never get to live this experience again!). From taking a quick trip to the Palacio de Cristal to dipping churros in chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés, make sure you include plans in your schedule to stay sane and entertained. Also, whether you write them in your phone’s Notes app or by hand, always keep a list of cool places you would like to visit both in and out of the city. My favorite way of doing this is by searching either the hashtag or location “Madrid” on Instagram or Pinterest, and saving all the fun and interesting posts that pop up; I have found most of my favorite restaurants and local markets by doing this. Also, gladly, just like back at Northeastern, most classes here follow a rigorous syllabus, which allows me to plan and schedule weekend getaways in advance. In this sense, planning not only helps you save time but money too.
2- Wake up early: As a night owl, becoming a morning person is an ongoing process, but one certainly worth it. I must admit that, during my first week here, waking up early was even harder than usual due to the six-hour difference back home. I will not lie, my first week of class was hectic because of this. But, after fighting sleep for a few days, it all went back to normal. A relaxing walk with semi-cold breeze, freshly brewed coffee aroma, deep emerald green scenery…those few extra hours before class are my favorite hours of the day. Also, if you live off-campus, waking up earlier than usual is a must. I live a little less than twenty minutes away from campus, so I always make sure to leave at least thirty minutes before my class starts; that way, I can take my time and walk peacefully. Like Boston, Madrid is a busy city, and every hour is rush hour – better safe than sorry! Expect various streets to be closed due to construction and, since the majority of students and workers walk to their schools or jobs, anticipate commotion everywhere.
3- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: I have saved myself precious time and hassle by asking things I do not know. Which is the best route to take toward the Gran Vía? What does “guay” mean? Where can I find the best local food market or tapas? Take advantage of the knowledge people have to offer! This tip also applies to the school scenario. At IE University, it is extremely common for study abroad students to come in every semester. Their system of professors and advisors are all fully aware if you are an exchange student, and they help you accordingly. However, sometimes, I would hear professors say things like “Remember what we learned last semester about…?” so I stay a few minutes after class, or during class breaks, to ask for any necessary clarifications.
4- Make local friends from class: As much as you want to stay close to your Northeastern crowd, making new friends abroad will give your experience a 180 twist. During my first week, I learned that the students from class had coursed together since the beginning of college; entering a close-knit group with plenty of previous shared experiences was definitely intimidating. However, after a couple of class sessions and study groups, everything changed. My friends from class surely help me maintain the “fun vs. focus” balance. From planning wine-tasting nights after completing projects to getting advertising ideas from Spanish telenovelas, Madrid locals know how to stand between both sides of the spectrum. Since the teaching-method and academic expectations are quite different here, I find it helpful to work on my assignments alongside with them to quickly solve any uncertainty. Moreover, they surely give the best advice and updates on when is the right time to visit nearby cities or what cool events are happening soon (and they certainly know which are the best dining spots around!). While studying and spending leisure time together, in just two months, I have already made amazing, close friends that I would not have otherwise.
I am a very goal-oriented student in the sense that I have prioritized schoolwork ever since I was a child. So, if you are like me, you might have to wrap your head around the fact that you will never relive your experience abroad. With that in mind, I continuously make an effort to prioritize exploring as much as studying. It is important to emphasize that a big part of the learning experience and personal growth achieved abroad is not found in textbooks. To learn about a culture, you must live it! Hopefully, these quick tips help you make the best of your time and avoid going MAD while in MADrid.
