Submitted by Rachel Sawicki on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
Greetings from Granada! It has been almost four days since my arrival in Spain, and it has been more amazing than I ever imagined. I’ve seen so much of Madrid, toured Toledo, and already made myself at home in Granada. It feels like I have already been here for so long, but I know that the next three weeks are going to fly by faster than I think.
My very first day was fairly rough in all honesty. The jet-lag hit me worse than I thought it would, and I was shocked to learn just how real pickpockets are when my phone was stolen before we even arrived at our hotel. It really put a damper on my mood, but only for a few hours. Some friends back home told me that their phone was stolen when they went abroad as well, and it sucks, but it’s no reason to ruin your entire trip. My professor helped me go out and get a new, cheap prepaid phone the next day, and I’ve had just as great of a time without my iPhone. In fact, I see it as a blessing in disguise. If I had my iPhone, I worry that I would be too worried about taking pictures, checking my email and keeping my social media updated. Without a phone, it has allowed me to simply absorb the culture and pay close attention to the world around me, rather than a world behind a screen. Plus, I can always have my friends send me the pictures they took when I get home. The personal experience is much more valuable than some likes on a picture.
I don’t believe I’ve had too much culture shock so far. I feel confident in my ability to speak adequate Spanish and to understand, accept, and abide by the cultural norms here. Our classes start tomorrow and I’m very excited to begin my studies again. I also love how much free time we have to explore the city, because there is so much to do and so much to explore.
