Why Homestays are Awesome

l-r: Jose, me, Maria and Martina

Choosing your living arrangements are often one of the most nerve-wracking decisions you'll have to make as a future study abroad student.  I often hear people say that they're going to choose a private apartment or school dorms in lieu of taking the chance of living with a foreign family- a homestay.  Desiring to learn as much as I could about Spain (and not to end up like the girls in the movie Taken) I took a chance and checked off the "homestay" box on my study abroad form.  Let me tell you just some of the reasons I loved taking the chance on living with a Spanish family. 

The food.  Maria provided us three meals a day, everyday.  True to Spanish form, we received a very light breakfast, a gigantic Thanksgiving sized lunch around 2 p.m., and a smaller dinner between 8 and 9 p.m.  The smells wafting from the kitchen before lunch everyday were nothing short of tantalizing, and from Paella to flan, I got it all- homemade. 

The culture.  What better way to experience Spanish culture than by living with Spaniards?! One of my favorite Spanish moments was when Jose began yelling from the living room, "ABBEEE! NATALIA! Venga venga, mira!"  (Come come, watch!)  What had him so captivated?  A bullfight.  No kidding, Jose loved bullfights and soccer games almost more than my southern dad loves Tennessee football- and that's a lot. 

Everything was done for us.  Although that sounds kind of spoiled, believe me, you will treasure being able to explore a new country without worrying about paying rent, cooking dinner, or doing laundry.  

The family aspect.  I love to travel and I hadn't felt homesickness since I was in elementary school.  Having been the last thing on my radar, that's of course one of the first things I experienced.  As if that wasn't enough, I was having a few issues at home that I was really upset about.  Maria, Jose and the kids never let me mope and always made me feel at home and cared for.  When it was time for me to leave Spain, Maria gave me a giant hug and dos besos, the Spanish tradition of a kiss on each cheek, and told me, "Don't be sad, because my family is a little bigger now.  I will always consider you two (my roommate and I) my second daughters."  Talk about a tearjerker. 

Although I realize not every homestay experience is as great as mine was, I think several things played into my experience: open-mindedness, communication, and respect.  Combine those things with a great family and you're golden.  

Have you lived with a homestay?  How did it go?

Why I Chose ISA

Although it seems just the opposite, deciding that you want to study abroad is a pretty small decision in comparison to the many details that follow.  Once you get over that initial hurdle, you'll need to pick your location, decide whether or not to go with a study abroad company (and which company, if you take that route), plan for your academic course load abroad, and then go through all of the little details.  Although it depends on your school's requirements, you don't have to start with any one decision.  For example, maybe you're focused on Paris, and the classes and company are secondary to you; Maybe you want to have the support of a study abroad company and want to take courses in art, but you don't have a preference for location.  To give yourself a little guidance, prioritize your decisions, and then go from there.

Click through to see how I made my decision!  

Windsor

   

When I visited my friend Sara, who was studying abroad just outside of London, she insisted on a trip to Windsor to see the castle.  Since I only had two days in England, I was hesitant to spend nearly a whole day on the trip to the castle, but I couldn't have been happier with our decision.  

The day started out with a traditional English breakfast: scrambled eggs, fried ham and a thick sausage, baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, and fried toast.  As a lover of breakfast foods and of baked beans and tomatoes, I was in food heaven.  Of course, as I chowed down on my manly sized portion, Sara delicately munched on a croissant and a cappuccino... I almost ordered seconds.  

Ever since I began planning my trip to England, I knew I needed a photo with the traditional English guards.  However, somehow I missed out on two key pieces of information.

1. When it begins to get even a little cold out, the guards cover up their classic 

red jackets with long gray coats.  No red-coated guards for me...

2. The guards are downright terrifying.  You try marching right up to a machine-gun-bearing, 

6 foot something, likely war experienced soldier and smiling for a photo. 

Although I wasn't permitted to take photos, you can actually tour a large part of the castle and accompanying church and grounds.  From the displays of knights' armor to the delicate china and elaborately furnished sitting rooms, this place is castle through and through. 

For €10 (and a free pass for the rest of the year), Windsor is definitely a must-see for London travelers.  

Any other castle recommendations?  What places are your favorites?

Madrid, Spain

Madrid was the first stop in my study abroad journey, and had it not been for the jet lag or nerves about the months to come, I'm sure the city and I would have hit it off quite nicely.  Sadly, I don't think I was able to give Madrid the chance it really deserved.  From the countless plazas with restaurants (Which serve sangria on tap!) and performers to the perfectly manicured parks and beautiful white buildings, Madrid really does have a lot to offer.

Next time I'll be sure to plan ahead a little more and scope out more than just the easy spots.  Don't get me wrong, seeing a Spanish castle was super cool; I just wish I had gotten to know more of Madrid than just the tourist spots.   

Have you ever had to leave a city before you ever really got a feel for it?  What are your tips?

One Year Ago

Exactly one year ago today I was boarding the plane which would take me to Madrid, Spain, where I would begin three of the most incredible months of my life.  Although it sounds a little nuts, I couldn't stop thinking about Spain today.  At one point, I even got close to tearing up when I thought about the friends, adopted family, and general way of living that I had left behind.  I thought that studying abroad would "cure" me of my passionate life-long desire to travel, but instead it's inflamed it.  I have the worst case of wanderlust...

Don't get me wrong, I was incredibly glad to be reunited with my family in friends in the good 'ole USA.  This crazy need to travel that I have has absolutely nothing to do with how much I love being with them, but more of an insatiable curiosity about other places and cultures.  

I'll never forget stepping off the plane in Madrid and being so excited I could hardly contain myself.  A year, several thousand photos, and many sweet new friendships later, I'm still so thankful to everyone that supported me along the way and continues to support me despite my constant "When I was in Spain..." ramblings.  

Has any fellow "study-abroader" else ever dealt with similar thoughts?  

Mi familia española: José, Maria, and Martina

Over the Weekend

(source)

This past weekend one of the girls I studied abroad with roadtripped to Pittsburgh to spend the weekend with me.  The weekend was filled with trips downtown, delicious Primanti sandwhiches (a Pittsburgh original!),  and maybe even a little Third Eye Blind Concert.  

Weekends are so wonderful.

Málaga, Spain

Having spent almost three months studying abroad in Málaga, I've fallen in love with the people, the food (with a few exceptions), and the Mediterranean sunsets.  If you're visiting Málaga, or just dreaming about it, here are a few tips and photos.

La Comida- The Food

Roasted potatoes (Patatas Asadas) are very traditional around Christmas, but head out to Las Papa's in El Centro to feast on them year-round.  Essentially, these baked potatoes are served with almost more toppings than potato itself.  The toppings- ranging from meats to veggies to homemade sauces- sound a little weird, but almost every combination is delicious.  

What would Spain be without paella?  This local dish is a rice/vegetables/meat mixture that has a million variations.  Beware that serving sizes are almost always double (or triple) what most people could ever eat.  

Another Spanish favorite is churros and chocolate.  Whether these fried (but not sweetened) pastries are served giant and fluffy or small and dense depends on the café, but rest assured that both variates are delicious.  They're best served with a cup of chocolate that seems to be somewhat of a hybrid between hot chocolate and Hershey's Syrup.  If you're craving an actual hot chocolate, order a Cola Cao. 

If you're in Málaga, stop by Casa Aranda in El Centro for big, fluffy churros and great people watching.  There's also a great little cafe next door to the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) that serves up the crunchier variety. 

Places to See

Plaza de la Constitución is located at the foot of the giant shopping street Calle Larios, and is a perfect location for meeting up with some friends before wandering the tiny pedestrian streets of El Centro.  This is also the popular place for concerts, festivals, and large group gatherings. 

Málaga's town hall is gorgeous, and a perfect time to visit is when the lobby is transformed into a Bethlehem scene during the Christmas season.  Instead of Christmas trees, most Spaniards decorate with elaborate cityscapes that include everything from the Angel Gabriel to ancient marketplaces.   

If you're feeling a bit historical, visit the preserved Roman Amphitheater and adjoining Spanish fortress,  the Alcazaba.  With perhaps some of the most gorgeous views of the city, the Alcazaba was built by Muslims in the mid-11th century and was at once point used by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella!  

Craving some beach time?  Malagueta, the local beach, is lined with food vendors grilling espetos (sardines) and other fresh catches, people sunbathing, and kids playing in the sand.  Unfortunately, Malagueta isn't the greatest (or cleanest) beach around.  If you're looking for a gorgeous shoreline and crystal clear waters, hop on a bus and head an hour east to Nerja, Spain.

Local Excursions 

Nerja

Córdoba

Granada

Ronda