Talk to me about: Big city living. Growing up in a suburb of Minneapolis, I was used to driving everywhere and a slower, more spread-out lifestyle. So, living in Madrid was a total change of pace—in the best way. The city’s energy is nonstop, and getting around is unbelievably convenient. Whether I was hopping on the metro, taking the bus, or grabbing an Uber for under 9 euros, I could get anywhere quickly and affordably. The student abono transport card made it even easier—8 euros a month for unlimited public transport… huge. If you’re into live music and good food like I am, Madrid is awesome. Every Thursday, Honky Tonk turns into the best jam session in the city—think Stevie Wonder and Oasis covers with insanely talented local musicians. And when it comes to food, Casa Dani is home to the best tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet) in Madrid— no contest.

Advice: Say yes to (almost) everything. The best stories from your semester abroad will usually come from the unexpected moments— spontaneous plans, last-minute trips, the things you almost said no to. I was nervous going into a homestay, but it ended up being my favorite part of my time in Madrid. It gave me a deeper connection to the culture, helped my Spanish, and now I still keep in touch with my host mom on WhatsApp (in Spanish, of course).

Back to Study Abroad Ambassadors