One of the best pieces of advice I was offered before starting my study abroad journey was to explore the country you are studying in and not spend the entirety of it outside of it traveling. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel outside of the country but instead to consider getting to know the new country you are living in on a deep level and seeing what it has to offer. There will always be time to travel the world, but will you live in another country again for an extended period?
This past weekend I went to Malaga a city on the south coast of Spain. I can say it is my second favorite city after Granada currently. Everything from the water, time with friends, the architecture, to the scenery was incredible. In the few weeks I have been in Spain I’ve had to learn how to “adult” on a higher level. Booking train tickets, flights, hostels, navigating the hospital in a foreign country, balancing classes, socializing, and more.
Puentes: I also recommend to anyone traveling to book tickets well in advance for holidays and puentes. A puente is a day off to bridge the time between and weekend and a holiday. For example, if there is a holiday on a Tuesday there may not be class or events going on Monday. This would be a four-day puente, Saturday to Tuesday. A five-day puente for students studying abroad most likely since we tend not to have class on Friday’s unless it’s a makeup day.
In the few weekend trips, I have done I have found hostels are a cost-efficient way to travel while also remaining budget conscientious. There are a few hostel chains in Spain that in my experience have been comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced. In these hostels I could book an individual bed in a room of 6-8 beds. Hostels also generally offer mixed gender, female, or male only options. Hostels are a great way to meet new people especially from around the world. In Malaga I shared a room with four women each from France, Switzerland, Brazil, and Argentine. Some around my age and others older. My new Brazilian acquaintance and I agreed the next time we run into each other we said we will have to get coffee. It’s always a joy to know people around the world.
This Friday I leave with my program on a three-day weekend trip to Morocco. I’ve very excited and fortunate to finally be able to say I’ve been to the continent of Africa. This will be four continents I’ve been to already at the age of 19 and seventh country I’ve visited. One of the many benefits of study abroad is the close proximity of other countries and excursion opportunities. I’ve fortunate as a history lover that my studies in Spain have shown a particular focus to the Muslim influences and the history of Al-Andalus which I have highly enjoyed. In the US I have been primarily exposed to Christianity and it’s refreshing to learn about a different perspective and religion. I am hoping my trip to Morocco will continue to enlighten me.
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