This Is Study Abroad

Madrid, Spain

January to May, 2016
Image by Austin Fehr.
In January 2016, I left the University of Michigan to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. Few experiences compare to this one. I entered it uneasy and unsure, and I emerged more focused and assured. The blog and image galleries document my experience and personal growth.

The Blog

Featured entry:​
To All College Students: Go Abroad.

July 14, 2016
An Open Letter to College Students:

Last January, after twenty hours of restlessly kneading airplane armrests and turbulent snowstorms, I landed in Madrid, Spain. I staggered off the plane and cowered before a city that stretched outward many miles, yet whose bulk was obscured by a haze. I swallowed hard. Then loaded into a taxi.

That was day one of study abroad.

I had never ventured off campus before, save for home and sheltered vacations. But when I left Madrid five months later, the world had become my campus. I had done it all: leapt closer to Spanish fluency, learned about diverse topics, taught grade schoolers English, tasted fearlessly, and immersed myself in independent adventure.

My confidence had heightened, as well as my awareness of the world. The experience had honed my passions and redirected my academic and career aspirations.

I had redefined myself.

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Photo Galleries

Church Gallery

“Nolan Takes Awkward Pictures with Churches”

My Cohort

For my cohort: ​One More Hug

May 9, 2016
Late Friday night, I caught the last train on the metro and snuck inside the apartment. It was silent; my host parents and John were sleeping. I creaked open my bedroom door and muffled its closing behind me, masterfully maneuvering the loud brass handle and flicking on a light in the same motion. It’s a talent. I often arrive home before John, who self-preserves much better than I do —it’s given me practice, although I would do much better to follow his example. Then I paused. This time I lingered. I sighed.

John would board a plane in a few hours.

Our program ended Friday.

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