Lessons From My Semester Abroad

Most people ease into college. I didn’t.

While my friends were moving into their new dorms in across the United States, I was landing in Sevilla, Spain. At the time, I was jet lagged, exhausted, and about to start my first ever semester of college in a country I'd never lived in, and a city I'd never visited.

In Sevilla, everything was new. The streets, the language, the social norms, even just buying food had a learning curve. Although I had a week to adjust before the start of classes, I still felt rushed, and before I knew it, I was thrown into a new school, and a new way of learning. I didn't have time to "get ready," only to figure things out as I went along.

Stepping Into the Unknown

Sevilla is very different from the United States. Starting at my first step into the city, I quickly learned how Sevilla differs from home. The streets were lined with century old, vibrant buildings whose walls held thousands of stories. The people moved with casual confidence: always well dressed, yet they rarely smiled when walking by. I didn't take this as unfriendly, simply a different way of life, which I'd also have to learn, along with Spanish.

Another big surprise to me was how little English was spoken around the city. As a touristy city, I expected Sevilla to be lined with English speakers. However, time and time again, I walked into cafe's, grocery stores, and restaurants, where broken Spanish was the only language I could use. This was daunting but also exciting. I leaned into it, and tried to use Spanish exclusively, which was exciting, awkward, and honestly, the best way to learn.

Getting homework on my first day of school caught me by surprise. No slow introduction, no warm up, it was full steam ahead in Sevilla. I quickly realized that success in this program and city doesn't come from preparedness, but rather being flexible, and willing to learn as you go.

The System

Once I accepted that I wouldn't fully understand the new system right away, I shifted into a different mode: observation and flexibility. I observed how teachers talked, what they recommended, what work they assigned, and what they expected from students. I engaged with teachers after class, asking for tips and recommendations, and slowly shaped a system that worked both for me, and my new environment. I asked classmates what works for them, and I changed up my methods. Eventually, I was left with a system that leaned on what worked for me and what got results.

The process was satisfying, and a shift from school life in the U.S. Here, I wasn't chasing perfection, but progress. Over time, I learned what professors expected, how to pace my work, and how to manage my time. It wasn't about mastering the system, rather about learning how to work with it. I found success with this method, ending the semester with strong connections with professors, and a strong 3.8 GPA.

Looking back, this was a big leap in shaping the way I think today. I don't find myself being afraid to jump into a new environment. After all, for most problems, I don't know the solution right away. Rather, I observe, ask questions, collect clues, and approach problems with an informed perspective. Studying abroad was just that.

Figuring Out Everyday Life

While adapting to the classroom and teaching required observation and reflection, navigating daily life required something even more personal: A willingness to feel uncomfortable, and keep going anyways. There's no syllabus for navigating a Spanish corner store when you don't recognize half the products, or interpreting public transportation routes based on signs you only 50% understand.

Daily task turned into learning experiences when I was outside of my comfort zone. I watched others name fruit, and quickly picked up the names. I learned how to confidently order food, even when I didn't recognize the majority of ingredients. These weren't one-time adjustments, rather a part of a daily process.

Were there awkward moments? Of course. Like the time I asked when the bus takes off, instead of when it leaves. Or the time I thought a police officer was inviting me into a government building.(He was not) Those small failures Brough confidence. But, not the kind you get from knowing everything ahead of time, but rather knowing you can adapt and find your way.

As the semester drew on, I found myself speaking more often. Not just when I absolutely had to, but also when I had a comment, when I was curious, when I liked something. I stopped hesitating, and language flowed freely. The uncertainty that had felt unfamiliar just a month ago now felt oddly comfortable.

What I came to understand is that adaptation isn't a single moment where everything clicks. Rather, it's a skill, built up slowly and consistently with small steps.

What I Took With Me

I left Spain in December, after a very quick 15 weeks. I didn't bring home a perfect transcript, nor a long list of achievements. However, I did bring back a new way of thinking; shaped by uncertainty, trialed by discomfort.

I learned how to move forward without all the answers. I learned how to stay calm when plans changed, or when things didn't make sense. These skills came with me, and I've brought them into class since. I've used them in tough decisions and unfamiliar group projects. I've found the ability to adapt to solve problems and connect with others.

That semester in Sevilla could've just been a rough start to college. Instead, it became the foundation for how I approach growth.