Program and Location:
Spring, Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE), Madrid, Spain
Major/Minor:
Business Administration Major, and Marketing Minor/Leadership: Cross Disciplinary Perspectives
Why did you choose to study abroad?
Study abroad is something I’ve always been interested in. I’ve had a deep desire to travel and explore different cultures. Studying abroad provided me with the opportunity to experience a new place in a somewhat structured format. And beyond cultural immersion, it gave me opportunities to not only grow academically but personally as well, expanding on my ability to be adaptable and resilient.
How did you pick your program?
It was a combination of personal preference and compatibility with my academic needs. First, I figured out what classes I needed to take and which study abroad universities provided those classes. Then, narrowed it down by personal preferences like price, location, university/town size, culture/language, etc. I also reached out to a few people who studied abroad and talked to them to gain a deeper understanding of their experience and if they enjoyed it.
What was something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another one?
One way I have changed since studying abroad is that I am more confident in myself. This experience has proven that I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for. Moving to a new country where I didn’t speak the language was intimidating, but I showed that I can adapt smoothly. I learned how to navigate a new city, use public transportation, and handle new everyday challenges. This experience has strengthened my resilience and adaptability. Living in Madrid also gave me a new perspective on my own culture. The pace of life in Spain is much slower compared to the U.S., where everything often feels fast-paced and work-centric. This change helped me reflect on how we prioritize time, work, relationships, and rest back home. Another thing that struck me was how big the world truly is and how big the U.S. is. Being in Europe and having the ability to travel a short distance to a new country with a different language, culture, and customs showed me that there are a vast amount of different viewpoints and ways of living beyond what I know. Being in an area that has so many close and interconnected countries made me truly realize how big the U.S. is — both geographically but also the diversity of cultures within the U.S.
What advice would you give to another student?
Take some time to explore your host city. Do the touristy things early on, because you’ll push it off thinking you have so much time, and then time flies and you’re nearing the end. Travelling around to different places is amazing but also take the time to truly get to know your host city.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?
Yes and no. Most of my classes in title were similar, if not the same. While that means the content would be pretty similar, I believe the classes were structured differently from NC State classes. The grading is very different, with the final exam being at least 50% of your final grade. There also was little to no homework and many group assignments. The class size was also smaller; most of my classes ranged from roughly 25-50 students. I did take one class that is not offered at NC State called “Cinema and Ideology Under Francoist Spain” which was very interesting. We mainly discussed cinema during the Spanish dictator Franco from the 1939 to 1975. But we also talked about other Spanish history and culture. I really enjoyed the class and helped me appreciate my time in Spain more.
In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?
As a student of color, the only really noticeable thing that I experienced was that people were more blunt in asking where you are from/what your ethnicity is or making assumptions about it.
How safe did you feel there? And/or where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?
I felt pretty safe. I leaned on my friends with me abroad if anything happened.
Would you do it again?
Yes. Absolutely yes!
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