Adiana Albizu Russe

My experience abroad in Madrid, Spain, was a dream come true and something I will forever be thankful for. It helped me grow as a person by battling my social anxiety and shyness, and it pushed me to try new things. I made life-long friendships and created unforgettable memories, from riding camels in Morocco to seeing the Eiffel Tower shine at night, and road-tripping through Italian cities. As well as enjoying spontaneous adventures like skiing in the Spanish mountains, getting lost in Gran Canaria, soaking up the sun in Ibiza, exploring the streets of Portugal, and visiting almost every coffee shop in Madrid. These experiences were all part of this incredible journey. 

I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I felt in Madrid, a city I had never been to before. The lifestyle, the people, the transportation, and the rhythm of the city made it easy to adapt and feel at home. I didn’t expect to feel such a strong connection to a new place so quickly. I plan to further develop this experience by pursuing a master’s program in Madrid, Spain, upon graduating from Syracuse University. This will allow me to deepen my connection with the city and continue my personal and academic growth.