My experiences abroad were so magical, they are close to ineffable. But I will do my best to allow you to live vicariously through these next two pages as I tell you some of my favorite memories and best advice. After completing my term away, I can recommend whole heartedly that every student study abroad.

I left home seeking thrill, adventure and with the advice to say yes to everything. Talk about fulfillment. I met some of the most beautiful people in the entire world. I had the miraculous gift of traveling every single weekend and seeing fifteen incredible cities not even including the magical Madrid itself. I had more luck than I realized a person could come into and grew to look at the world in a way I couldn’t have imagined before. I made some of my best friends and was forced to come close to those I wouldn’t normally get to know. This was perhaps one of the greatest gifts of all.

Living with eight other girls is a daunting thought for anyone. But living alone for two years made for a toilsome transition into the flat, and a lot of growth to take place over the past four months. I would have never anticipated the heartache saying goodbye would bring when I first came to know these girls, but having someone to come home to, to eat with, to share your adventures, and to say goodnight to, are things I have learned to never take for granted again. It made hostels a breeze and the thought of returning to my family for the three weeks on holiday manageable.

My program had a phenomenal staff. They were kind, and outgoing, always very exciting. We took field trips, and cooking lessons, went to a flamenco show and had museum tours. My Spanish improved like crazy seeing as I was forced to use it every day. Some of my favorite memories are of the heated conversations between Ramiro our doorman and I, and the apology pancakes I made to ensure that peace was maintained.

I learned so much while I was away and have some important things to advise for the next person gifted with this incredible opportunity. My greatest piece of advice being travel solo. This is one of the greatest decisions I made along my journey. I traveled alone to London, Paris, Morocco, and Croatia and had the experiences of my life. Marrakesh was my favorite. I was able to see everything at my own pace and met people I wouldn't have otherwise. I took risks that somehow always ended in my favor and grew to understand who I wanted to be. Next, record your memories. I kept a journal every day recording events from start to finish, gory details and all. These are memories I will never want to forget as long as I live and looking back at them is something you will never regret. Speaking from experience here!! Pack layers. No matter what kind of climate you’re going to, it’s going to get cold at some point... and there is nothing worse than being cold away from home.

Finally, from here on out, the only person to rely on is you. It takes a lot of hard work to make it, but once you are finally abroad, you are capable of experiencing an unattainable level of stimulus, indescribable freedom, and the opportunity to become the best version of yourself. I am more than grateful to have been able to go to Madrid, and plan to live there for the rest of my life. I feel so blessed and thank any and everyone who made this opportunity possible for myself and other students in the program.

Name: Manna Rivera
Status: Junior
Major: Global and International Studies in Social Science
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Program: CEA Madrid, Spain - History, Politics & International Studies