Submitted by Michael Kaiteris on the 2016 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
This study abroad experience has been the first time I have ever traveled to another country. Before leaving for the program, I was aware that I was going to be in a completely new environment for over a month, but it did not hit me until I actually arrived in Granada. After stepping off the bus and walking through the streets, I was somewhat scared to be in a new ambiance and intimidated by the prevalence of graffiti on almost every street. After meeting my host mother and getting settled in my home, the beauty of the architecture and landscapes soaked in. Everything was so beautiful!
Still a little anxious from the change, I was surprised by the eating schedule in Spain. At home, my meals consist of possibly breakfast (if I don’t sleep past breakfast) lunch at 12:30 pm and dinner at 6:30 pm. In Granada, I eat breakfast at about 7:20 am, a huge lunch at around 2:30 pm and dinner at 9:30/10:00 pm. I didn’t have many problems adjusting to this change, especially because the food was so good! Walking was another adjustment for me, as I have never been used to walking so much every day, I guess that is why some people call it the Walking City. The amount of people that approach you on a daily basis to sell things or ask for money is also a huge change from my roots.
As I am writing this now, I am sitting comfortably and happily in the house of my host family, and I feel at home now. Whether it be watching the Spanish soccer games together in the house, going on numerous tours with my group, or whatever else, I am happy to say I have comfortably settled into Spain and don’t know if I will want to leave in a couple of weeks!