As one of the few who was lucky enough to be born and raised in Aspen, I’ve always had a beautiful place to call home. From the Rocky Mountains, rows of swaying Aspen trees, and sparkling powder for skiing, Aspen has served as a wonderful home base. Growing up in this ethereal pocket in the world, my upbringing felt completely normal to me yet entirely foreign to others. My grandmother’s Czech citizenship gave me the opportunity to become a dual citizen and have my European passport. This dual citizenship allowed my family to live abroad in Spain.

In 2025, my family made the decision to live in Madrid. Spain is rich in culture, history, and has a vibrant lifestyle. This experience abroad was a life-changing opportunity that taught me many life lessons. This worldly exposure, not only changed me as a person but gave me a perspective that broadened my outlook of the world around me. Reflecting back on my time spent abroad I learned many helpful hacks and wanted to help anyone planning on studying abroad. These tips are meant to improve day-to-day life and are the keys to unlocking the best experiences while studying abroad.

Learn about the food culture

Wherever you decide to study, it’s important to immerse yourself in its culture by trying new foods. In Spain, for example, Spanish food takes up the majority of the restaurants and food market. The United States is special in its diverse market for international cuisine. In Spain, however, there is less access to these options. Common Spanish meals feature pan con tomate, Spanish Omelet, and various dishes with ham and olives. Spanish culture also encourages sitting down for family meals, with an unusually late lunch at around 2 to 3 pm, and dinners at around 8 to 9:30pm. Prior to moving abroad, it’s important to research the customs and traditions related to food, allowing you to quickly adapt and enjoy the new environment.

Visiting beforehand

Although it is not always an option, visiting your new hometown before officially moving there can significantly influence your final decision. My family flew to Madrid the summer before we moved there and got to know the city in a personal way, immersing ourselves in day-to-day life. This approach made the transition feel smooth, adding an aspect of familiarity that made me feel more at home.

Online research

If in-person visiting is not an option, Google can help much more than you think! Researching details such as weather, activities, restaurants and facilities. Spending time researching, such as finding a gym membership, park or outdoor space nearby, wherever you choose to live, will help center you once you arrive and give you a space to work out.

Travel and explore

A big part of what made my semester abroad so special was the traveling that we did while in Madrid. Learning about different spots local to where you are studying or a flight away is something that I highly recommend. Planning a few exciting trips accessible to you can be life-changing and could open your eyes to surrounding cultures and lifestyles. In Europe, there are many transportation options such as trains, buses and even boats to travel on. If global traveling isn’t an option, be sure to try traveling around the country or even the town or city that you’re in. Whether you’re crossing a border or even just a road, make sure you take advantage of your unique experiences!

Learn about the customs

Studying abroad will expand your perspective on global traditions, customs and the culture around you. In Spain, it is common to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, enjoy long and leisurely meals surrounded by loved ones and accept acts of hospitality. These norms are not only normalized but, it is found to be disrespectful if these unspoken rules are not followed. Although these norms depend on where you study, observing the manners of those around you while doing your best to abide by these “unwritten norms” will help you better integrate and feel more comfortable in social situations.

This photo takes place in the Palacio de Cibeles or Madrid City Hall on a warm June day. The light breeze captures the Spanish flag swaying in the wind and the heart of Madrid’s center.