Maggie in Salamanca, Spain at the top of the church (city where the first institution of higher education was formed in Spain).

Studying abroad has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. The question was always—where? During my freshman year of college, I had the opportunity to visit Spain to see my sister, who was living in Madrid at the time. That two-week trip made me fall in love with the country. When I found the API program that met my academic needs, I knew Spain was where I wanted to go. As a supply chain and marketing major, Spain’s vibrant business environment, home to giants like Zara, La Casera, and Santander, made my marketing classes fascinating and insightful. My spring semester abroad provided me with a deep understanding of European culture and history.

I attended the Universidad de Nebrija, ranked among the top 25 schools in Spain by Forbes magazine. My academic experiences were exceptionally enriching. One of my projects involved analyzing strategies for Spanish brands entering the American market. This was not only relevant to my majors but also helped me connect Spanish culture with my own back home. In general, getting the opportunity to take “global” classes from a new perspective was very eye opening and allowed me to see things from a completely new perspective.

As part of the program, I visited Salamanca, renowned for its Gothic architecture and as the site of Spain’s first institution of higher education. Touring the town with my peers, we delved into its deep history and saw firsthand how education has evolved over the centuries – also how a lot of the traditions have remained.

Maggie in Tangier, Morocco with camels

Everywhere you go in the world offers a learning experience, whether through exploring the culture, visiting museums, or taking guided city tours. My favorite way to learn is through immersive experiences. A highlight was visiting Tangier, Morocco, where I walked through bustling markets, rode a camel, tried on traditional women’s clothing, and enjoyed a four-course traditional Moroccan meal. It was an unforgettable experience, enriched by our guides who shared personal stories and welcomed us into their community.

For anyone planning to study abroad, my main piece of advice is to thoroughly research the culture of the cities you’re considering. You want to feel at home in your host city, especially after weekend travels. I loved returning to Madrid each week because I felt at home in its relaxed and social culture. Also, when you are in your host city, do not forget to explore it! From the museums, all the way to finding your local coffee spot and become a regular.

Another crucial piece of advice is to be outgoing. I started the semester not knowing anyone and was nervous about making friends. But I quickly realized that almost everyone else felt the same way. It’s important to put yourself out there and connect with others. You might not find your group right away, but the more you engage with people, the more connections you’ll make. The friendships I formed added immense value to my semester. I will forever cherish the memories and the lifelong friends I made.

Studying abroad was an enriching experience both academically and personally. It broadened my horizons and gave me memories that I will cherish forever.