Madeline Marlowe

The chance to study abroad in Madrid has given me the opportunity to broaden my perspective in many ways. It has been truly a life-changing experience that has shaped my way of thinking. Living in a city with a different language, culture, and overall atmosphere has helped me understand and adapt to the many new situations I may encounter. The classes I am taking while abroad help me understand the context of modern-day Spain. Syracuse offers an amazing variety of classes, and the professors not only guide your experience throughout the semester but also enhance it. I learned to develop a love for literature through my English class and to appreciate the traditions throughout Spain through my anthropology course. I also learned about the importance of diversity in Madrid through the program’s trips and the museums I visited, both in class and outside. I enjoy the friends I have made and the chance to immerse myself in a different city. My abroad experience has given me the confidence to be more outgoing and adventurous. This semester, I have visited various countries and cities. I have explored each city to the fullest and met so many people from diverse backgrounds.

I was surprised to learn of the drastic difference in Madrid’s culture. Before we arrived, Syracuse organized a series of modules on the history, culture, and navigating Madrid. I was grateful for this briefing before I entered the country, but it definitely took some time to get used to! I also felt surprised by myself. I had always known I wanted to study abroad, but I learned a lot about myself on this trip. Studying abroad has helped me understand my priorities and values in a way that staying home never could. I also learned more about my organizational and leadership style, as making plans revolves around coordinating well with others and ensuring the best possible outcome. Something I didn’t know about Madrid before coming here was how easy the city is to navigate. It took me a few days, but learning the public transportation system within Madrid was extremely helpful and easy to understand.

My semester in Madrid revived my love for English and literature. As an Accounting and Marketing major, there is little room in my schedule for classes of enjoyment. As a result, I have forgotten how it feels to write and synthesize an essay. My time abroad has given me the opportunity to take a literature course on Hemingway’s time in Spain. We started with short stories and moved our way through Hemingway’s books. This revived my excitement for reading and understanding English literature. I plan to bring this excitement back and continue to read throughout the summer and semester.

Receiving this award and contribution from the Honors program has been tremendously helpful and essential to my experience in Madrid. The generosity and support from the Honors funding have allowed me to experience Madrid more meaningfully. The support enabled me to travel within Spain, visit historical sites, and explore the city, deepening my understanding of Madrid’s culture and diversity. Beyond financial support, this award has exemplified the Honors program’s core values and further emphasized my academic goals, which the Honors community has supported. Studying abroad in Madrid has solidified my desire to live abroad after college. This experience has fundamentally shaped my worldview, allowing me to embrace a wider range of perspectives and build stronger cross-cultural communication skills. Navigating a new environment in a foreign country has taught me to be resourceful and proactive, qualities I know will serve me well in a professional setting. I am even more excited by the prospect of working a professional job abroad, as I now understand the value of adaptability and cultural sensitivity in the workplace. Studying abroad in Madrid has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and find comfort in discomfort. My experiences here have motivated me to seek out international opportunities to continue learning from diverse communities and approach my future with confidence.