Before studying abroad, I was told to research, research, research life in Spain. This is, of course, great advice. But don’t be fooled, no amount of research will ever prepare you for the real thing.
In Europe, it is common to greet someone new with two kisses on each cheek (dos besos in Spain). If you have ever visited the continent, you likely experienced this yourself.
To the average American, planting two smackeroos on the face of a total stranger is too intimate. But not me, I was different. I was a well-researched world traveler, ready to take on whatever came my way. Two measly kisses? No problem at all. I stepped off the airport shuttle, luggage in hand, hot Andalucian sun on my back, and absolutely aced this traditional Spanish greeting with my host mom.
Doing your research can give you the confidence you need to brave seemingly awkward situations.
But in my week of living as a Spaniard, I have encountered many situations and customs that I was not prepared for. Like the fact that dos besos is not just a one-time thing, you will likely end up greeting someone this way multiple times.
This isn’t to say that I didn’t work hard enough in my preparations, but simply that you will never understand what it is like to live in a new country until you truly EXPERIENCE it.
As someone who struggles with a lot of anxiety, I really thought that I had extensively reviewed all I needed to know. But here is a truth that is hard to accept if you are like me. It is important to know that this is simply not possible, and that is perfectly okay! In fact, it’s part of the adventure. Living abroad is all about the surprises you cannot prepare for. They make life here beautiful and exciting.
Before arriving in Spain, I read plenty of lists about the things you “need” to know. They were helpful, and I certainly recommend that you do your research. But I’ve realized some things are better left as a surprise. So, I have decided to create something different for you. A list of things that I am glad I didn’t know going into my time in Spain.
It has only been a week, but so far, the uncertainty has brought me more joy and excitement than the satisfaction I found in being “prepared”.
Late nights are not just for the weekend fiestas; You have probably read about the early morning fiestas in Spain. I was definitely excited to expose myself to a few 5 AM walks back from the club. What I was not prepared for was how much these late nights extend themselves into the week. My host mom prepares us dinner as late as 10:30 PM. You will find families with their small children walking the streets at 1:30 AM. And yes, it is totally normal for a full brass band to parade down your street at 2AM on a Thursday. Sleep is a priority to me, but trust, you will learn to love it.
Siesta is real, and necessary; In the United States, we wonder if the chicken or the egg came first. Here, I have been pondering whether the siesta came from late nights or the late nights are due to the siesta? Either way, the midday pause is no mito (myth) like my research told me. I once set out on a 4 p.m. shopping trip and found every store closed. I was baffled and a little annoyed. Now I look forward to that daily escape from the blazing sun just like the locals.
Stay smart, but you can breathe easier here; We have all seen the TikToks of Americans fighting pickpockets or the Italian woman screaming “attenzione pickpocket!” to a crowd. The streets of Europe seemed like a lawless land. This may still be true, but in Seville, I have been surprised to hear that pickpocketing and other crimes against tourists are virtually a non-issue. My program advisor even told me that the buddy system was completely unnecessary and I could enjoy the cool andulicain evenings in the park alone without issue. As a woman, I’ve never felt safer in a big city than I do here. Of course, I still stay aware, but it’s freeing to let go of some of that fear.
Plan for no plan; At home, Google Maps is my very best friend. I use it everywhere, even to get to locations I frequent every day. I like efficiency and exact schedules. Seville has had other plans for me. At first, the winding streets and constant wrong turns stressed me out. But every “mistake” has led me to something wonderful. An unexpected plaza, a tiny bakery, or a view I never would’ve found otherwise. Now, I bake “exploration time” into my daily commutes.
You’ll never know enough of the language; I have taken several advanced and college-level Spanish courses. Duolingo is one of my most-used apps. I bought and studied a conversational Spanish guidebook before arriving here. I tend to feel fairly confident in my level of Spanish skills. But people here throw in slang, filler words like vale, and rapid-fire conversations that sound nothing like what I practiced. It’s overwhelming. But it is also the most exciting and efficient Spanish lesson I could ever ask for.
Always remember that not knowing isn’t a weakness. In fact, it has only bettered my experience here. The moments I was most unsure how to behave, whether I ordered food correctly, or if I was even on the right bus, are already my favorite memories.
Uncertainty is a gift. One that I get to unwrap every day here in Seville, Spain.
Ciao.
DU Abroad 