Program and Location:

Fall, Comillas Universidad Pontificia, Madrid, Spain

Major/Minor:

Sport management major, with a minor in business administration

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I wanted to gain some personal perspective on life outside of the US. I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in my childhood, so I thought that studying abroad would be a challenge but would also suit me well.

How did you pick your program?

I picked my program based on where I could gain credits for my free elective requirement but also my business minor.

What is 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?

I learned a lot about self-confidence during my experience. Knowing that I can now navigate a country and live in a busy city where English is not the first language, the culture is totally different, and public transit is the main means of transportation feels like a canon moment in transitioning to my adulthood.

What advice would you give to another student?

I would give three pieces of advice to another student I would tell other students to be patient, don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, and keep an open mind.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

My study abroad experience prepared me to be content with being in an uncomfortable and unprecedented personal situation. This could definitely be applied to the workplace when navigating what needs to be done, how to cooperate with others, and also to remain calm and content, knowing that I have the self-assurance to get through it.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely. I could have seen myself easily doing one more semester.