10 Study Abroad Tips I Learned While In Spain
Scandra Ortega, a student at New York University, shares her top 10 tips for getting the most out of your study abroad program, based on her recent experience in Spain studying Marketing & Entrepreneurship and interning with Expanish Madrid.
Studying abroad is an amazing experience. Here are 10 things I would keep in mind while studying abroad:
Say "yes" more than you normally would
Say "yes" to the weekend trips, to the group dinners, to the random Tuesday plans that turn into core memories. Sometime you will be tired, but say "yes" anyway. You never know when you will have the opportunity to do it again. Studying abroad is temporary so you have to maximise the experience.
Don’t compare your experience
Everyone is going to be doing different things, going to different places, and being on different schedules. Everyone goes on different journeys and each is person, so don’t compare what you are doing to others. There is no “right” way to do it.
Embrace Spanish culture
Enjoy having dinner at 9:30pm (or honestly sometimes at 10:30pm) and going on walks around the park and living at a slower pace until suddenly it's 6am and you’re still out. It’s all part of the experience (in moderation…of course)
Plan trips but don’t overdo it
Yes, having trips booked is exciting, but also don’t overpack your schedule. Also leave some room for spontaneous trips, they often end up being the best ones. I had weekends where I was traveling back to back, it’s nice being able to also enjoy the city that you’re living in.
You will spend more money than you think
Between flights, taxis, dinners, shopping, and random little things it adds up soooo fast. Prepare a budget, but also accept that this is a once in a lifetime experience and you’re investing in memories. There were times I said I was going to budget and then bought flights to Tenerife and Ibiza. Is it worth it? Yes. Did my bank account agree? Not really.
Get comfortable doing things alone
I would recommend doing some solo activities. I could be grabbing coffee after class, going on a walk around the neighborhood or going on a day trip by yourself. In general, you are going to have so many things going on and people to meet, but it´s nice sometimes to step back and just enjoy your own company for a while.
Take pictures, but also live in the moment
Yes, get that Instagram post, and take lots of pictures. You are going to be able to look back at them and all the memories you made in that place. But also, put your phone down so you can enjoy the moment. Some of the best memories don't need to posted anywhere – simple things like late-night walks and laughing with friends are best enjoyed by being present.
Try new foods…even if you are unsure
Spanish cuisine is renowned globally for good reason, so get out and try things, even if it looks... different. Sure, not everything is going to be amazing but some of your favorite foods and meals will come from random places that you never expected.
Your routine will change, lean into it
Your sleep schedule will be off, your eating habits will feel different. But just give yourself time to adjust and embrace it. It might feel chaotic at times but it’s part of the authentic experience.
It goes by way too fast
Everyone is going to tell you this and it’s true. It will feel like you just landed a week ago and then you suddenly realise that you reaching the end. So enjoy every moment, even the ones that aren’t so amazing because they make for funny stories in the future. So take the trip, say yes, and explore!
Want to have your own study abroad experience? Check out our full range of study abroad programs, including our new semester programs, now available in Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica.
