Larizah on Location: Understanding Cultural Adjustment
Learning to Begin
I'm partway through my study abroad program, and so far, the experience has been nothing short of amazing! I’ve realized that cultural adjustment isn’t a single dramatic moment, it’s a series of small, daily shifts that gradually reshape how you study, socialize, and see yourself. I’m attending the University of Arizona’s partner school in Madrid, the Institute for American Universities (IAU), where I take classes alongside study abroad students from all over the United States. I’m also living in a student residence that brings together both international and local Spanish students, creating a vibrant dynamic and constant opportunities to meet people from all over the world! After a month in Madrid, the initial excitement of being abroad has evolved into a deeper cultural awareness, and I’ve discovered that adjustment often begins with the simplest part of the day, my daily routine.
Learning a New Rhythm
As someone who believes adaptability is one of life’s greatest strengths, I quickly realized that arriving in Madrid would challenge me in new and exciting ways. While living in Tucson during the school year had prepared me for college life, Madrid introduced an entirely different set of rhythms and routines. Like many students, I needed to adjust my schedule to balance academics, social life, and self-care. In Madrid, this brought fun and unexpected twists to my daily routine.
One of the first changes I noticed was my schedule. Meals are later in Madrid, usually after 8pm, and evenings stretch longer than I was used to in Tucson. I also find myself walking more and relying heavily on public transportation, from the metro to the EMT bus, which has completely reshaped how I move through the city! Most surprisingly, my social life has become woven into my daily routine. What used to be isolated events now happen alongside errands, meals, and study time, blending into the rhythm of everyday life.
Adjusting to life in Spain has been an enriching process that has strengthened my resilience and discipline! I’ve learned to embrace a slower pace, enjoying the relaxed rhythm of meals, walks, and conversations. These small daily shifts have taught me that cultural adjustment isn’t a challenge to endure, it’s an opportunity to experience life in a new, more mindful way, making every day abroad full of discovery and growth. Learning to navigate daily life in Madrid has been so rewarding, and adapting to academics offers another exciting opportunity to grow and see the world differently.
Learning Abroad
When experiencing something new, it’s comforting to rely on familiar concepts, like attending class and engaging with interesting material. As a study abroad student, I have the opportunity to take a perfect blend of courses that both challenge me and help me learn more about my new environment. In Madrid, my classroom structures vary slightly from class to class, which makes attending every day exciting. You never know what your professors have planned or what new perspective you’ll gain!
Lectures are led by animated professors who focus on collaboration with peers and ensuring you genuinely understand the material. By encouraging collaboration and discussion, this style allows you to naturally connect with your peers while remaining actively engaged with your coursework.
However, lectures aren’t the only way you learn when studying abroad! At IAU, many classes include hands-on, interactive sessions that take you out of the classroom to explore your new environment. For example, in my Exploring Spanish Culture Through Its Cuisine class, one assignment had us visit a grocery store of our choosing and examine the cheese section. We connected our earlier discussion of Spanish cheese curing and regional differences with first-hand observations. Which turns a simple grocery run into a fun and immersive learning experience!
While the classes themselves feel familiar, the opportunity to learn in an international environment makes every assignment and discussion feel fresh and meaningful. These shared experiences also create opportunities to form new friendships, both with fellow U.S. students and local peers.
Learning to Connect
One of the aspects of studying abroad that made me most nervous was knowing nobody upon arriving in Madrid. By leaning on my adaptability, I was able to meet new people and have experiences I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Through IAU, community events, and my housing, I’ve been able to build a supportive and welcoming community while abroad.
By attending orientations, events, and courses at my university, I’ve been able to make friends from all over the United States, and friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Building a community with fellow study abroad students has made the experience even more enriching and fun! We rely on one another, share knowledge, and explore the streets of Madrid together.
Living with Spanish students presents a different dynamic that has enriched my experience in ways I didn’t expect. Small cultural differences, like the way people communicate or plan their days, have taught me to be more flexible and observant. However, these differences don’t create barriers. Instead, they open doors to new perspectives and memorable experiences! Sharing meals, conversations, and everyday routines with my Spanish roommates has made my time abroad not only more immersive but also incredibly rewarding, giving me friendships and memories I will carry with me long after Madrid.
Forming friendships abroad, both with fellow U.S. students and with local Spanish peers, has only enriched my experience thus far. These connections challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new ways of thinking, and see the world through different perspectives! These are lessons that are actively shaping how I understand myself and setting the stage for personal growth and reflection during my semester abroad.
Learning Through Experience
As I continue to navigate this new experience, I’ve realized that studying abroad is as much about learning about myself as it is about learning about Madrid. Of course, there are still moments that push me out of my comfort zone, such as taking the wrong metro line or struggling to understand the language, but these challenges are all part of growing and adapting to a new place. Embracing new experiences complements your identity, and problem-solving in the face of uncertainty has made cultural adjustment feel more attainable. Even though I am only a month in, I am proud of the strides I have made in making Madrid feel like home.
Cultural adjustment is about expanding your perspective. Over time, small routines such as meal times, classes, and friendships begin to feel natural, and growth happens gradually, which is exactly the point! My greatest advice to myself at the beginning of this journey would be to embrace the unknown, stay open to new perspectives, and let your experiences abroad expand your identity.
Studying abroad is such a great opportunity to grow academically, socially, and personally in ways you never imagined. Embracing new experiences, forming friendships across cultures, and seeing the world from different perspectives makes every moment abroad meaningful and unforgettable!
You can keep track of all of my adventures on the Larizah on Location webpage!