Spain will drive you insane if you do or don’t do these thangs!..

DO’s:

Pack comfortable shoes:

Many people make the mistake of wanting to “fit in” and wear the “hottest fashions” here in Spain. I get it. But let’s be real, we’re students from U of M! Isn’t our motto dress for comfort? Imagine walking the campus at school in some flip flops or flats or even heels about two/three times. Yeah that’s how much walking you’ll do in Spain, especially your first week so please realize, cute isn’t always “cute.” Dress for you.

Make a “To-Do” List:

This is quite possibly the best thing I have done for myself here. The more I hear people say that there is so much to do but not enough time, I simply think of, “The List.” It helps to plan and organize so that way you’re not running around Spain, looking like a tourist, while you have five million things bouncing around in your head about where to go/do next. The List will help you to inform friends about your plans ahead of time. Believe me, you won’t regret it.

Try new foods:

Yeah so the food here is “different,” “weird,” “lacks taste,” etc. I’ve heard it all. I am not saying none of these things are true but venture out! Give new foods a chance. You will be utterly surprised at the things that you’ll like. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many things I’ve seen on a menu and have had translated and instantly think, “I’m not trying that!” But of course, I do. Why not? We are college students in Spain! Live it up.

Make the most of your Last Days:

So the time of departure is arriving rather fast and you are either very excited, in between, or could give two shits less. It doesn’t matter! How often do college students get a chance to travel outside their country? Not a lot, so whatever you didn’t get to do on that list, hop to it! If you don’t you’ll be sitting on the plane regretting all of things you didn’t get a chance to do because then you’ll realize (of course when it’s too late) that you missed out on doing something great!!

Mingle with the locals:

These locals… are something else. I guarantee the majority of the time you will dislike them. MUCHO! They seem rude, pushy, and they stare but if you actually talk with them, they might just shock you. Anytime you get a chance to go out with a local gang, do it! They will show you all the hot spots such as, tapas/bars, clubs, great stores, and great personal stories as well as the history of Spain. I am still shocked at how much they know about their country. Some of us Americans can’t even name the capitals of half of the States!

Nap when possible:

I’ve never been a big napper but the first week I was Homer Simpson. I felt like I couldn’t do anything! I slept for hours during siesta and the sad part about my experience was that I never fully adjusted to the time difference! Granted, I went to bed between 1-2a EVERY night and after the first week, hardly ever took a nap. Please take advantage of this anti-American specialty.

Research excursion options:

Do your research before you choose an excursion! Regardless of what people tell you to do or what your friends tell you is best. Please look for yourself and do what you think will be the most fun for you. My mom bought me a guide book which I brought with me to the excursions. On the bus ride to our destination, I would read more about what was in store. After we received the handouts of what we will be doing, I figured out where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do and wrote it all down. As a bonus I also listed some interesting facts about certain landmarks as well.

Venture OUTSIDE the Michigan group:

This is by far one of the best pieces of advice I can give. Sadly, I did so too late. There are some really cool, interesting, and more importantly, welcoming people out there who would love to get to know you! Learning about another person’s culture is one of the richest experiences one can have so please, please take advantage and get to know other people outside the program.

DON’T:

Pack a lot:

I don’t really even know what to say about this one. It is pretty self-explanatory but definitely the Rule of Thumb. Again, I learned the hard way. And if you have to travel by yourself and you have three pieces of luggage, you might want to rethink your travel plans. Take little and bring back more! You will be more than happy you did this. Plus, you won’t have to worry about spending money to send “extra” things home, like clothes for example. Trust me, it is a hassleeee!!!

Go out every night – spend time with your host family:

They will really appreciate you for it. Obviously everyone likes their alone time but if you put in an extra effort to get to know them, they will do the same. They will also be willing to really try and accommodate your needs. They usually do this anyway (mine does!) but it’s just basically just being a polite guest in someone’s home for over a month!

Turn down invitations:

Go out when possible! If someone invites you for tapas, join them! A movie in Spanish, go and decipher it together! It is just such an experience to get a chance to try new things with people who wish to experience the culture as much as you want to. Obviously, not every night but take advantage of this great opportunity!

Count down the days:

The days here go by fast enough! I understand people get homesick (I have as well) but enjoy yourself as much as possible. You’ll be surprised how fast the time goes.

Be afraid to ask for help:

I hear a lot of students are afraid to do this and I don’t understand why. I’ve been lost a few times and each time I feel horribly lost, I simply ask a local. And just an fyi, they are more than happy to help! It makes them feel needed and in charge. J Who doesn’t like that?

Feel self-conscious when the locals stare:

Here in Spain staring is normal and a common practice, so don’t take offense or feel too uneasy or threatened when someone stares at you for over 10 second. Clearly this breaks the “American Rule” where staring is considered rude, awkward, and 10 seconds is way too long! It is an uncomfortable feeling. Some grow accustom to it, others don’t. Just don’t feel like something is wrong with you. They just know that you are not from around here.

Put yourself last:

Okay, okay. I understand shopping for loved ones is a must and commonly in America is a common practice to show others that you are thinking of them and care enough to spend extra cash on them (not to mention Euros!). But don’t be afraid to pick up something for yourself that you like during a souvenir shopping spree. Family, close friends, etc. are all very important and if that love for them is truly shared, they will understand if they receive a gift from you after you have helped yourself as well.

Wait/depend on others. If you want to do something, DO IT!!

This is a golden rule here so if you want to do something that your friends might not want to do, do it anyway! They always say don’t spend your life waiting so why waste a trip?