Hola a todos,

40. 40 days. 40 days until I’m on a plane traveling from New York to Sevilla, where I’ll spend three and a half months studying. I’ve traveled to Spain before on a high school trip, and I’ve been to Ireland a few times, but this is the first time I’m flying overseas by myself.

It’s difficult to piece together the right words to explain the mix of emotions I’m feeling right now. I’m excited and grateful to be embark on this experience of a lifetime. Currently, I’m looking forward to interacting with new people in a new place, trying new food, travelling to new places, and learning new things. Not a lot of people are lucky enough to have such an opportunity to do these things in a place as beautiful as Sevilla.

At the same time, there are a lot of uncertainties. I’m not sure how I’ll do adapting to the “Spanish only” policy at school. I’m an outdoorsy girl, and I don’t know if other students will want to take trips outside of the city with me. I’ve educated myself on culture shock, but there’s only so much a person can do to prepare themself for that.

I know I’ll get homesick, too. I’m close with my family and friends. While I’m abroad, I’ll be maintaining a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend of two years too. We have a dog, Keene, together who I’m going to miss like crazy.

Despite the reservations I have about going abroad, I know that is once-in-a-lifetime experience will absolutely be worth it. I’m looking forward to living in Sevilla for three and a half months and indulging in the experience. Follow up on my posts to keep up with my journey!

Con cariño,

Andrea