Ahhh, the joys of making new friends. How lucky I am to be surrounded by students from all over the world with similar interests, passions, and lifestyles. If being in a foreign country isn’t enough to quench your thirst for adrenaline, throw one hundred plus abroad students into the mix and you’re set.

For many, this is their first time visiting Europe, leaving their homes, and venturing off into the unknown. In time’s of unfamiliarity, we often cling to familiarity. While trying to soak in every moment of my experience, from the feelings and thoughts, to the scenery and environment around me, I am trying to balance family and friendships at home, while allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone abroad.

So often, we get stuck living in our cellular world, because it makes us feel connected. Our cell phones hold a world of comfort, support, and familiarity. With the touch of a few buttons, we are able to be in contact with the small world we allow ourselves to be restricted to through social media.

How can we possibly allow ourselves to live within a small device, when we can embrace the world around us with open arms, an open mind, and heart. Here’s to the first couple days of warm welcomes in Spain with AIFS. I can’t wait to see what shy “hello’s” develop into lifelong friendships and a semester of memories that we will forever carry with us in our hearts.

What an amazing first week in Barcelona, filled with culture, city tours, good food, and conversations. Until next time…

Besos,

Madeline Alice Johnson

Side Note: This blog post is originally from January 13, 2016 – January 14, 2016

Make sure to watch the video below! It will immensely change the way you live your life.