Student Perspectives: First Feelings in Madrid

Student Perspectives:  First Feelings in Madrid

I asked students to reflect on 3 questions over our first few days in Madrid.  

What has surprised you most so far?

What are you most nervous about?

What are you most excited about?

“I have honestly been surprised by how at home I have felt.  I feel comfortable and I enjoy the people I am surrounded by.  I am excited about my family and friends in Spain.  I enjoy that I can go outside and really experience Spain by living here...  This is more than just school work or seeing the world.  It is a nice mixture of both that makes the journey much more exciting.” - Justice

Our students are taking note of the Spanish Culture.  Lia and Celine were surprised by cultural practices like how much time Spaniards spend outside.  Emma is taking note of cultural perspectives like interest in international politics.  While Karlah, Ries, and Emma have noticed that not only are they able to communicate in Spanish better than they expected, but also how kind and compassionate everyone, even strangers, have been when they ask questions or communicate.

While some of the things that the students are nervous about would be true for almost anyone traveling, others are specific to a study abroad experience like CIEE.  Lia is nervous about getting lost in the Metro.  Celine has been worried about living with a host family.  But the most common concern is that their Spanish isn’t perfect.  Justice, Ries, and  Celine are nervous about making grammar mistakes or not knowing the ‘right’ vocabulary, etc.  Luckily, our students also know that this is a real life learning experience.  Which means, they will learn as much or more from their mistakes as they do from their successes.

But most importantly, our students are EXCITED!  They have been eager to meet each other after a long time of communicating on Instagram.  They are excited about the sites they will see and the experiences they will have.  They are looking forward to taking pictures of all the cool sites.  Our students are also excited about the everyday, real life skills that they are gaining; learning the Metro, trying new foods, and visiting second hand stores.  

As our students prepare for their first weekend with their host families, they are more confident, more brave, and more willing to make a few mistakes because they know that they are living an experience of a lifetime.  We all know that they are learning Spanish language and culture… and so much more.