A glimpse of the Royal Palace behind my roommate Simone and me as we begin our study abroad journey in Madrid.
Author: Alyson Mcwilliams | Major: Strategy, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation | Semester: Summer 2025
This summer, I spent a month in Madrid, Spain, studying Spanish through the ISA Spanish Language, Hispanic Studies, and Electives program! I had dreamed of studying in Spain since I began learning Spanish, to learn about their rich history and influence. I entered this experience with the expectation of traveling and completing my Spanish minor requirements, however, it ended up meaning so much more to me.
The opportunity to study Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country is invaluable. At the Universidad de Nebrija, I studied Advanced Spanish Language and Spanish Culture for four hours every day. My culture class was my favorite because it was my first ever Spanish class on a topic other than language, taught completely in Spanish! It was a challenge, but I learned more this way. Not only did I learn in the classroom, but everywhere I went, from la tienda to las calles, there was a chance to practice conversation in Spanish. Going into the program, speaking was where I struggled the most, but returning home, I feel more confident in my ability to have basic-level conversations with others.
One of the biggest blessings I experienced abroad was my homestay. I was worried that living in someone else’s home, I would feel out of place, but my host mom created a place I was excited to return to after a long day of classes and in need of a siesta. She was the best cook and made my roommate and me traditional dinners every night. While abroad, my roommate, Simone, ended up being my best friend. She was there for me when times abroad were difficult and I missed home. Because of her, I never felt lonely, and she gave me the confidence to experience Spain to the fullest. Saying goodbye to this newfound family wasn’t easy, but now I have a home in Madrid and a lifelong friend in Simone.
One of my favorite moments was our group excursion to Toledo. We walked around the cobblestone streets and toured the most beautiful historical monuments. Our tour guide taught us about the unique religious sites Christian, Muslim, and Jewish people worshiped in and how the three religious groups coexisted in a time when war between different religious groups was common. This trip stood out to me the most because I learned the most about my favorite topics: art, architecture, history, and religion. My favorite was the Catedral Primada de Toledo, because it was the biggest and grandest cathedral I have ever experienced. Although it was just a tour, I felt a spiritual experience when viewing its beauty and meaningful pieces. Afterwards, I bought my father a knife made of Toledo’s famous steel, which was easily my favorite souvenir because it meant the world to him. This day left a lasting impression because it combined everything I care about into one experience and deepened my appreciation for Spanish history.
Before studying abroad, I prepared myself for potential culture shock through research. However, once in Spain, I found that I wasn’t uncomfortable with any major cultural differences. In fact, many aspects of Spanish culture, such as the strong sense of community and respect, aligned closely with my own values, and I felt at home. I was especially impacted by their unhurried, present-focused way of life, which is incredibly different from the hustle-driven mindset I’ve grown up with in the United States. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and feeling pressure to constantly be productive, I found Spain’s pace peaceful. Their approach to working was so unique. For example, many businesses closed down for several hours in the afternoon for siesta, then reopened in the evening. Even late at night, plazas were filled with families, young people, and the elderly, all enjoying each other’s company. Now I want to bring a more intentional and balanced lifestyle into my own life.
Living in Madrid will forever be one of the most transformative journeys of my life. A time when I learned to slow down, embrace new cultures, and grow into a more confident version of myself. Although this was a trip for learning language and culture, I learned more about myself than anything else. I discovered I am more capable than I ever imagined. Traveling alone is naturally full of challenges and exciting new situations, which I was able to overcome and embrace on my own. Things as simple as making friends in a completely new place or navigating the metro without help showed me that I can thrive outside of my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and find confidence even in unfamiliar environments. This self-discovery is something I couldn’t find at home, because I needed to step away from the familiar to reflect, take risks, and grow. Now I am returning home with a deeper appreciation for Spanish language and culture, but also a renewed sense of independence and belief in myself.