Things I'm Looking Forward to (minus a few)

I thought that living abroad was something I would just do in college, and I think that a lot of people have this mindset. Whether it is a summer, a few months, a year, or just a eurotrip, any time you can spend abroad, in my opinion, is extremely valuable and really worth it.  It's super cliche, but you really learn a lot about yourself and grow into independence when you are so far away from home, knowing no one- even more than you do by just going away to college a few hours away from home.

For me, I didn't expect to go back to Spain this year.  I thought I would be fine starting my life at my desk, earning a steady paycheck and hopping from job to job to grad school until I found some stability in my life and could pay my way into some sort of happiness, even if that did include travel. But over the course of the year, even as I was deciding to take a trip to Ireland and Spain at the beginning of Summer 2013, it became more clear: if you don't do this now, when will you?

I read somewhere that the 20s are your time to be selfish.  See the world, try out different careers, make time for yourself, and really do what your heart is telling you. That's why I'm going back.

That being said, there are some things that I am really looking forward to about going back.  I clearly love Spain, and cannot wait to be in the same city that I studied in.

Here are a few things I'm looking forward to:

The Global Connection
I believe that knowing another language is a huge gift.  I love how common (and required) it is in Europe to be bilingual, trilingual, etc. I mean, come on, the government implemented a program that brings native speakers of English in from abroad to help their students learn- how cool is that?  And the students start learning as young as 2 (remember the kids I taught English to in 2012?). One of my roommates knew five languages. I love how valued it is here and maybe one day I will get the chance to learn another (or be able to afford Rosetta Stone).

No pasa nada, mañana
In this go, go, go lifestyle in America, it's hard to remember to slow down, relax. Being in Spain before taught me what actually mattered, what I could let go (no pasa nada). I also learned that even though it feels like everything has to get done right away (some things do), sometimes it really doesn't, and it's better to enjoy a game of Real Madrid futbol, have a cerveza (or three), and not let life pass you by.

Travel Opportunities
While I got a lot of traveling in already (since the beginning of 2012, I've been to 10 European countries, Morocco, and 20-something cities in Spain), I am looking forward to a few trips over Christmas break and Semana Santa (before Easter). I love the fact that in Europe you can take a three hour flight and be somewhere with a completely different culture.  Also, I would love to experience more of Spain.  One friend is determined to hit all 17 comunidades autónomas of Spain. Whether or not I do that, I am really looking forward to getting to know the country better.

Madrid!
Of course, I'm looking forward to city itself. The cobblestone streets, the old buildings, my favorite parks, and all the people outside at any given time shopping and eating with their friends.  I also love the daily schedule- I found that things happen just a bit later. Oh, and after a summer of driving or riding the CTA or Metra in Chicago, I'm excited to walk everywhere and use the Metro!

Spanish Immersion
This is the most important reason I'm going. Since the American school system doesn't buy into learning other languages quite to the extent of Europe, I probably started learning Spanish a little too late.  Even though I have a degree in Spanish and can definitely get by fine, I want to perfect my accent and my fluency. During my apartment search I'm going to look for Spanish roommates and try my best to make Spanish friends and come back (?..just kidding Mom) to the USA a little more cultured.
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That being said, I'll miss a few things about home-

My family and friends
Goes without saying. It's hard to communicate on a 7 hour time difference, and I won't see them for almost a year (unless someone takes the hint and comes to visit). Not to mention holiday traditions that will for sure make the winter holidays difficult.

The FOOD
Spanish food is bland. I like it, it's fun to go out for tapas, but I would really like some unlimited ketchup with my fries at McDonalds when I go there out of homesickness. Plus, where is the mexican food? (Hi, Chipotle) But, really, when I can't get my favorite foods, I can always get sangria!

Being Comfortable
This will definitely be out of my comfort zone. I don't know how to teach, no one else I know is in Madrid with me. But this is also one of the best things that I'll miss, so really it is something I'll look forward to.

So, that's it! 2.5 things. I think this will be for the better!


I will end this with a quote from On The Road. I am reading it now, and this quote is very fitting.
"Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry." -Jack Kerouac