Hello, Madrid: First Impressions, Goals, and Expectations

After a long layover and a fourteen-hour flight, I finally made it to Madrid, Spain. I must admit that packing my whole life in two suitcases and a carry-on was hectic. All I could think of in the plane was: Do I really have everything I need to go through a semester on my own, in a place I have never visited before? I was also stressed out about settling down in a new city and handling everything that comes with that, alone. My roommates, who also studied in Boston, would get here a week after I did. So, anticipating simple things like getting from the airport to the apartment, going grocery shopping, and finding a mobile SIM card, made it hard for me to fall asleep during such a long flight. Should I get an Uber or a Cab once I arrive? Will I have Wi-Fi? What if the stores do not sell anything similar to what I am used to eating? Or, what if I do not recognize any brand or product name? Which is the best phone provider and what plan should I pick?… Coming from the small city that is Panama, adventuring across the globe by myself is truly a huge step out of my comfort zone. But, after two weeks here, I am more than happy about having made such a big leap. My first impression of Madrid is: WOW. I had never been to Madrid before, so I made sure to talk to many friends who had, and all of them assured me that I was going to love it here. They were not wrong at all.

Busy streets, lively places, amazing food, and distinct people from all over the world… Madrid is the geographic definition of fun, at least for someone like me. Despite how I find huge comfort in taking time to myself, I consider myself to be a very talkative and social person, and I love meeting new people. So far, Madrid has allowed me to find that balance. During my first weeks of school, I have been able to spend relaxing times by myself as I tour around the city, while also making good friends from all across the globe. Before starting my semester at IE University, I was quite nervous because I knew that people who study here have been together as a group since Freshman year. I did not want to be the “new girl” or the “exchange student” for a whole semester. Gladly, after just one day of being the “newbie,” I met amazing friends. These friends (who come from different parts of Latin America and Spain) were quick to make me feel that I belonged. Walking home together from class, going out for lunch and dinner, planning upcoming trips across Spain… I am glad I initially built the confidence to walk up to them and say hi.
That being said, these first weeks have taught me that I need to trail my own paths when getting someplace new. Despite how I consider myself outgoing, having to introduce myself, finding my way through new halls and buildings, and seeing unfamiliar faces every day, made me feel as if I was back in my first day of High School all over again. As normal as these feelings are, what helped me the most was not getting too caught up in them. If you are reading this and feeling the same way, my best advice is to burst that bubble quickly. Say hi first. Use Google Maps if you cannot find your way. Do not be afraid to ask questions. And, most importantly, be open to new friendships and making plans with them. These two weeks, I set the goal of using most of my free time to build new connections. After two and a half years in Boston (where I had already established my safety net of friendships), I knew that I needed to prioritize new relationships If I wanted to have a fulfilling experience in Madrid. In just a few days, I have learned a lot from my new friends and have had plenty of fun with them. As the semester takes on, however, my free time is becoming each time more limited.

The Spanish education system is very different from the one back in the U.S. In IE University, specifically, they are organized by sessions instead of classes, and each session lasts three hours! Getting used to that, while simultaneously getting used to a new city, makes prioritizing and planning key techniques. With that in mind, I have now set a new goal. After taking the time to establish a great friend group and prioritizing fun experiences, it is now my responsibility to find balance. Madrid is such an exciting place that I need to plan things out in order not to get lost in the thrill of it. To accomplish this new goal, I wrote down a list of all of the places I want to visit around Spain, and all the restaurants and tourist spots my friends have recommended. Moreover, I bought an agenda and took the time to jot down all the assignments for the five courses I am taking. My plan is to, each weekend, take a look at next week’s schedule and figure out how to spend my free time wisely. So many things around me are “new” (new people, new food, new places, new courses, new professors, etc.) that making those lists made me feel as if I had things a little under control. Gladly, I share the same native language as people in Madrid, and there are many students from Panama and Boston here, going through the same changes.

Another thing is true, though. All these new things make me miss the old ones (both in Panama City and in Boston). My old friends, family, food, and safe zones are still on my mind no matter how much fun I am having, which I know is pretty common. During my first week here, however, I must admit that I was so busy with adapting to Madrid (its people, its time zone, its streets…) that I forgot to keep in touch. As I walked to and from “La Gran Vía,” took pictures at “El Palacio Real,” attended orientation sessions, shopped for home essentials in huge (and very distinctive) department stores, and stopped for quick (yet mouth-watering) bites, I would forget to check my phone. I would later realize I had various texts from my parents and friends asking about my whereabouts. Now that I have settled down, I also make communicating with them a priority. After all, they are just as excited as I am to be living this amazing opportunity; sending them pictures and telling them about my adventures makes it even more exciting.

I am looking forward to all that lies ahead: traveling, meeting even more people, starting to get a hold of new assignments, finding my favorite spots and treats around the city… It is fun just to think about it! Hopefully, I will be able to find the balance I am looking for and continue making friends while still keeping in touch with my loved ones back home, as well as exploring Spain to the fullest while simultaneously prioritizing school work. As I type this, it does sound like a lot, but I am optimistic and excited to experience it all (and later tell you about it!).

Madrid, so far, you have been way too good; what’s next?!