By: Sara Goldkind, Aarhus University, School of Business and Social Sciences
The thought of navigating a new culture where I barely spoke the language, knew no one and was living on my own for the first time was daunting. However, my initial doubts quickly faded as I discovered that making friends in Spain was not just possible but was the most rewarding aspect of my experience.
The first few days in Spain were a whirlwind of emotions. The excitement of being in a new place was tempered by the reality that I was far from home, by myself for the first time and surrounded by unfamiliar faces and an unfamiliar language. Yet, it was in these moments of vulnerability that I found myself more open to meeting new people. I realized that everyone else in the program was in the same boat—eager to connect, learn and make the most of their time abroad.
One of the first opportunities to meet people came during the orientation program organized by the university, an event designed specifically to bring international students together. While everyone was nervous (myself included), as students slowly filled the auditorium, I found myself starting conversations with everyone around me. The realization that everyone was just as nervous as I was created a sense of community among us and served as the best icebreaker.
Another unexpected but pleasant surprise was having most of my classes with other exchange students. Initially, I was apprehensive about this—part of me had hoped to be fully immersed in a classroom with local students. However, sharing classes with other exchange students turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were all navigating the same challenges: adjusting to a new academic system, grappling with language differences and getting used to a new city. Group projects, study sessions and post-class café breaks became opportunities to connect on a deeper level. We relied on each other for support, whether it was clarifying a confusing lecture or simply offering words of encouragement during stressful exam periods. These classroom interactions blossomed into lasting friendships, as we realized that we were all on this journey together, helping each other make the most of our time abroad.
Reflecting on my study abroad experience in Spain, I can easily say that my friends are what made my time abroad so much fun. These connections not only enriched my understanding of Spanish culture but also introduced me to the diverse traditions, perspectives and cultures from all around Europe, like Germany, Slovakia, Scotland and the Netherlands. Through countless conversations, café dates, shared meals and cultural exchanges, I gained a deeper appreciation for the many ways of life across Europe.
What started as nervousness about meeting people in a foreign country turned into an incredible journey of forming lasting bonds that crosses borders and time zones. I now have friends scattered all across Europe. As we continue to stay in touch through Snapchat videos showing vlogs from our lives at home to late-night FaceTime calls, I’m already planning trips to visit them in their home countries and planning for them to visit me here in Canada. These friendships have not only made my time abroad unforgettable but have also opened a world of opportunities for future adventures and learning.