I’m planning on studying abroad in Spain through the Madrid program. Ever since high school I have wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, so my main decision for study abroad is about if I want to go to Europe or Latin America. The reason I’ve decided on Spain is that many of my friends are planning on studying abroad at the same time, and they’re all going to be in Europe. I don’t want to go a whole semester without seeing them, and I would love to explore different countries with them, so I’ve decided on the Madrid program. Also, everyone I’ve talked to has told me how amazing the program itself is. I’m a little bit terrified to be in classes with native speakers. I have great Spanish writing and reading skills, but it is harder for me to listen and to talk. I’ve been taking Spanish since 6th grade, so I’m excited for the opportunity to kind of cement those skills in a demanding but rewarding learning environment. I think it is going to be very overwhelming and scary at first, but at some point it’ll click and I’ll be guaranteed fluent for life. Also, since I am interested in urban studies, I am excited to go to a place that will allow me to not only explore Spanish cities, but also other European cities through weekend trips. I do still wish to spend some time in Latin America, and am additionally interested in Latin American cities, so I hope that I can find my way there at some point in the future, be it academic or just for fun. I’ve been considering doing a different program in the spring, after I return from Spain. I was looking at the Cities in the 21st Century program, and also the various established programs Wesleyan has in countries in Latin America. My main struggle with this is being away from home and campus for so long. The thought that I’ll spend that year abroad and then come back and be a senior is scary. I’m still grappling with what I’ll do about the spring semester, but for now I am excited to be in Spain in the fall.
