How Taking a Gap Year Has Changed My Life

A Year of Discovery in Seville

Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain. I’ve been here for a few months already and I’m excited to share about my journey and experience living here. There is so much to love not only about Seville and its amazing culture but the whole of Spain. Having the chance to live in what feels like a whole new world can be shocking and also beautiful. In this blog, I will share how taking a gap year abroad has changed my life.  

Independence Beyond the Classroom

One of the biggest changes in my life during this gap year is the feeling of gaining independence. Having been in school for the last 12 or so years of my life, I was very used to the structure of a school day and having to follow their schedule. During my gap year I’ve been having to adjust to the new sense of independence and the responsibility that comes with that. I have a lot of free time during my weeks and the ability to travel on the weekends. That being said, I was entirely responsible for myself and having to make each choice. Suddenly having the ability to make every choice for myself was shocking but with each decision it gets easier. It has installed me with a new sense of confidence in myself and my choices.  

Embracing Culture Shock

When I first arrived I had a very small basis of Spanish and I dove head first into trying to live a whole new way of life in a new language. There can be a big culture shock that follows your arrival and that can be hard to adjust to at first. I was lucky to have a very supportive host family and make new friends through my program. Everyday was a new experience and just as it was shocking, it was so beautiful to see the different ways of life and culture that comes with being in a new country. As I spent more time here, it started to become my normal. It’s easy to feel out of place when you're a foreigner in a new country, but the more time you spend there, you realize that despite all the differences, we’re all just humans going about life trying to do what makes us happy.  

Friendships Across Borders

I was able to make some amazing friends through my program, as well as push myself outside my comfort zone to make friends outside of it. One of the best things I’ve done to meet people is travel, and I have met people from all over the world. It's been amazing to share stories and experiences with one another as well as just have fun together. Every person I have met has had their own unique perspective of the world formed by their experiences and life; it’s incredible to get to know people with that context.  

Taking a gap year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and it’s something I will never forget.  

If you are interested in taking a Gap Year Abroad in Spain you can apply here or schedule a call with an Enrollment Coordinator to talk through any questions you may have.

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