Studying abroad in Spain was my first and one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I stayed in both Barcelona and Madrid, and from the very first day I realized how different everything felt compared to living in America. In Barcelona, the slower pace of life and the balance between work and relaxation stood out to me . At the same time, the energy of the streets amazed me no matter the time. Everything was so lively, I could look out my window and see people walking, eating, and living life. It felt alive in a way I had never experienced before.

Some of my best memories came from Madrid, where I connected with locals through basketball in a place called Lavapies, or what some locals would call the hood. It was surprising to me how a game I loved broke down the language barrier. We laughed together, traded phrases in Spanish and English, and shared stories about our lives. The connection we had was heartfelt to the point where we were meeting up daily, and saying goodbye was tough. I never expected basketball to connect me as much to the locals as I thought but it did.

Food was another highlight, especially tapas. The overwhelming amount of food for such a short amount of money was crazy. Meals weren’t rushed, and I learned to appreciate eating as a social event instead of just something to get through as they would in America.

Academically, the program gave me confidence to go into college. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the coursework helped me value my education more and see the bigger picture of how extensive college work is . I also had an amazing conversation with Katie, an advisor from Accent, who explained how being bilingual and open to international opportunities can change your career path. That advice really stuck with me since I am also interested in international relations.

Personally, this program completely shifted my worldview. Seeing Spain’s history in its streets, buildings, and traditions helped me realize how young my own perspective is and how much there is to learn. The hardest part for me was the language barrier. Even though I studied Spanish, I struggled. But the locals were patient, and with Google Translate and a sense of humor, I got by. Some of my favorite moments came from laughing with people when I made mistakes.

As a first-generation student in MSU’s First-Generation Innovation and Leadership program, this program was more than just travel it was proof that people like me in the same given situation can also experience what I experienced during my time abroad . If my story makes even one student feel brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and study abroad, then I’ll feel like I paid forward a piece of what Spain gave me.

• Name: Zaviah Loving
• Status: Freshman
• Major: Finance
• Hometown: Jackson, Michigan
• Program: FSA Spain – Track 2 - Spain’s Epic Rise