I found the Madrid Discovery program culturally enlightening. I was able to immerse myself in the culture, the language, the food, and the people through new and unique experiences. Because of this, I learned so much about others and myself. Through independent travel, I was able to become more independent and open my shell to things that made me uncomfortable in a good way. If given the chance to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Something that surprised me was the level of freedom you have to completely immerse yourself in the experience. Being there in the beginning, we were aliens in a new country, but by the end of the experience we were practically locals and knew so much about the city, its people, and its history.

If I am able to do so again, I would like to study abroad again, and possibly in the future, after college, when I get my degree, I will work overseas.