Carly

Name: Carly
Majors: International Business and Marketing
Minor: Spanish
Program: Saint Louis University, Madrid Campus
Where: Madrid, Spain
When: Fall 2006
Best Excursion: Orientation trip to Palma de Mallorca
Favorite Dish: Tortilla de patata
Next Destination: Costa Rica

What was a typical day like for you while abroad?

A typical weekday consisted of going to class for a few hours, and then coming back to take my daily siesta. I would then return to campus and be in school for a few hours. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to teach English to several families with young children, so usually I did this in the late afternoon. I then returned home to my host family to relax before dinner. I would then have dinner with my roommates and my Señora, and would usually meet friends out in Madrid for a few hours before going to bed.

What was one challenge you faced? How did you deal with this challenge?

I went to study abroad in Madrid without knowing anyone. Therefore, my biggest challenge was being in this huge city for four months without my best friends and family. At times I really missed them, but I dealt with the situation by finding some really great friends to spend a lot of my time with. Also, I really bonded with my Señora and this helped me to feel “at home” in Madrid.

How has this experience changed you?

Before leaving for Madrid, I considered myself to be independent and self-sufficient. Yet I realize now that I didn’t even know what “independence” meant before going to Madrid. In Madrid, I was able to do so many things by myself without leaning on anyone for assistance. I became a much stronger person as a result of this experience, and now I want to travel the world even more.