As an international student in the U.S.A, I’d thought that I was at a significant advantage when it came to preparing for my study abroad experience in Spain. I know how to pack efficiently and effectively; I know how flight requirements have adjusted due to the pandemic; I know what surprises to look out for and how to keep an open mind when thrown into an environment that is completely different to what I’m used to. So, when it came to getting ready to study abroad, I was expecting a smooth, easy transition.

Editor's note: IES Abroad is committed to keeping your emotional and psychological well-being a priority throughout your study abroad experience. Prior to departure, we encourage you to talk with our Chicago-based Dean of Students Office about any concerns and needs you anticipate.

Today marks three weeks of arriving in Dublin, but I already feel like I’ve been here for months while at the same time like I got here yesterday. The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind in the best way possible. With this, I have been adjusting to the everyday life of a Dubliner. So, here are some thoughts on what I’ve been up to so far:

Classes

            After returning to the States, it’s been surreal. Christmas break was an in-between time for how much of my responsibilities came back. Part of it covered in the pain of the flu as I didn’t have enough time after coming back to get the flu shot that I missed while abroad, and the rest was shining in the embrace of loved ones. There were several things I missed while abroad like all my cozy blankets and my family and friends.

When people asked me if I was nervous before coming to London, I always confidently answered, “No, of course not!” Although this was partially true, there was definitely a big part of me in denial about some of the anxiety I had before arriving. I consider myself to be a very independent person, so I was never concerned about navigating the city or finding things to do when I wasn’t doing schoolwork. I was, however, worried about adjusting to classes, making friends in my program, budgeting, and making travel plans for my time abroad.

Just two hours outside of Salamanca sits the fairytale city of Segovia, Spain. Built on a hill, Segovia is a real life Disney World—the castle is even said to be part of Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella's castle. The vast cathedral is one of the last in Europe built in the gothic style, and the famous Roman aqueduct spans 794 meters. Fun fact: there was no cement used to build the aqueduct. Instead, stones were stacked one on top of the other.

After a whole year of waiting to go abroad, I am finally here and settled in the beautiful city of Salamanca, Spain! This first week has been full of fun orientation activities, making new friends, diving headfirst into Spanish immersion, exploring a new place, and trying to beat Jet Lag (it’s affected me a lot more than anticipated)! While I was busy getting oriented, I started to take note of really small cultural differences in Salamanca compared to the United States. Some are arbitrary, some are better (in my opinion) and some are worse.

Hi, guys! I am currently on the express train from Milan to Rome for my first weekend trip! Since I have about 3 hours, I figured this is the perfect time to write about my first 2 weeks here.

There are a few questions I have been asked since arriving in Milan, and instead of just answering them myself, I decided to include some of my friends!

I asked the same questions to:

My time in Nice so far has been nothing short of a dream. It’s only been three weeks, but I’m in love with the city and everything it has to offer. Before arriving in Nice, I had plenty of worries about making friends, the language barrier, or general mishaps. Now that I’m settled, the novelty and sheer beauty of the French Riviera outweighs all of my previous stressors!