Student Perspective: Niko in Madrid

“It sounds cliche to say, but studying abroad in Madrid was life-changing, without a doubt. I threw myself into a new culture, with a new language, with new people, all without the comfort of the safety net I have in my friends and routines at Michigan. And at times, it was really uncomfortable. Like the time when the cashier at the grocery store thought I was trying to steal a grocery bag because I didn’t know you had to pay for them. Or when I got a bit lost in the tight streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco and didn’t have cell service to open up a map. If I wanted to keep exploring this foreign environment, I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable – and I quickly learned that this state of discomfort is where I grow the most.

During my 18 weeks in Madrid, I improved my Spanish skills immensely. I became more confident in my ability to travel alone and more comfortable in my own presence. I grew to better understand my own identity as an American through constant exposure to culturally diverse individuals. Not to mention, I saw some of the world’s most beautiful works of art, and renowned architectural feats, and ate some delicious food. I would highly recommend taking the leap into discomfort that is studying abroad! What’s on the other side is well worth it.”

Advice from Niko, “Explore new cultures, step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and experience the world. Think about things less, do them more.”