The most unforgettable experience I had in Spain was, without a doubt, the entire signature seminar. As a biology major, I initially signed up for the credits, but those 10 days traveling down Spain’s eastern coast—visiting Valencia, Santa Pola, Cartagena, Cabo de Palos, and more—became so much more. It was the perfect introduction to life in Spain, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the culture before settling in Madrid.
Our professor, Monica, was incredibly passionate about marine ecology, which made us care even more. We snorkeled, hiked, cleaned beaches, and even scuba-dived, all while learning about the ocean and how to better protect our environment. Rediscovering my love for learning and finding new passions was a form of personal growth I didn’t realize I needed. It was the best learning experience I’ve ever had and even inspired me to explore careers in marine biology and ecology. I wish I could do it all over again!
Beyond the seminar (which I could talk about for hours), another meaningful part of my time in Spain was my work-study job in the academic office and all of the time I spent in our school (¡El Instituto Internacional!). Since I usually have a work-study job on campus, I was excited to continue that abroad—especially with the cost of living! More than that, it became a great creative outlet, helping to balance the occasional stress of adjusting to life in a new country. Working with Cat and Álvaro (or even just visiting the academic office) was an incredible way to connect with the SU Madrid staff and feel more at home in my new environment.
Every moment of my study abroad experience is one I’ll cherish forever. Getting to visit so many amazing cities with some of my closest friends makes studying abroad one of the most unforgettable times in my life. From spontaneous metro rides to discovering new restaurants between classes, speaking broken Spanish with locals, and the bittersweet tears with my new friends on our last night, it was all perfect. Madrid is an incredible city full of rich culture, and I’ll always dream of the day I get to return.
Advice if you’re heading abroad:
- First, learn the language, even if it’s just a few basic words! A lot of students assume that in big cities, most people will speak English—and many do—but the point of studying abroad is to embrace the culture. Speaking the local language, even a little, is one of the most respectful and meaningful ways to do that.
- Next, make a budget. I was managing my finances while abroad, so I created a spreadsheet to track what I could spend and where I needed to save. You don’t want to get to the end of the semester and realize you can’t do something because you ran out of money. Be smart, save where you can, and plan ahead!
- Finally, remember: there’s always a flight home. Don’t stress too much about adjusting to a new environment. I’d tell anyone a million times over to stay—but ultimately, you know yourself best. Being in a foreign country comes with challenges, and the only way to grow is to let yourself fail, learn, and figure things out.
- Also, don’t forget that there are so many people to support you. When I felt stuck or overwhelmed, I talked to friends and Syracuse Madrid staff, and they helped me shift my mindset. There are people who want you to succeed and enjoy your time. Everything will work out, and you’ll end up having the time of your life!
Reagan Cavanagh ’26
Biology & Psychology
Madrid Center Fall 2024
My second class was Sociology of Sports. As a huge sports fan myself it was incredible learning about Spanish specific sports and their role in the global world. Because class sizes are small and tight knit over the summer, I became very close friends with my classmates. Since the class was small, our discussions became much more in-depth and were tailored to our specific interests in sports. My favorite part was the different field trips we would take, once we went to the park to observe the various fitness activities of people and another for another trip, we analyzed a soccer match.
Having the opportunity to study in another country, no matter the length, is always a worthwhile experience. You will constantly be learning as much about yourself as you will your host country. This was an experience that I would not have given up for the world, and it continues to push me out of my comfort zone to this day. With Spain down, and only 99 countries left to visit, and I know whatever country I end up in next will be exciting.