Appreciation

Everyone says that studying abroad is all about learning more about a different culture and other ways of life. This is true however not everyone always thinks about the things you learn about your own culture while studying abroad.

Being here in Spain has opened my eyes to a whole different way of thinking and living. I love it and I am so happy I have gotten to spend time here. It feels like a second home to me; I know all the streets, the best supermarkets, the cheapest cafe, etc. I have been here for a month now and I have noticed that there are many things here that are different from the US; the hours of operation, the food, when people eat, how people are treated. It is interesting to observe these things after living in the US my entire life.

It is an amazing experience to be able to live the Spanish life for 6 weeks. I get to try new things and meet new people. This whole adventure is opening my eyes to many things I take for granted in the US. For example stores close for siesta time here but I never am used to taking naps so I usually don't take one here. This leaves me with about 3 hours to just chill. It is fine because it gives me time to relax but if I want to go out and grab a bite to eat or run to the store or go shopping everything is closed. In the US they are open all the time. I love it and miss it.

Another thing that I have learned to appreciate is all the opportunities we have in the US. From my experiences here I feel as if we have more opportunities for jobs and schools than in the US. Especially people my age with unemployment being so high none of them can get jobs.

Another thing I have learned to appreciate is the patriotism we have in the US. There are many things people complain about our country but we always fly American flags and are happy to celebrate our country. Here no one flies the Spanish flag until very recently with the World Cup. This is because of their history with Franco. Still their is not much patriotism here that I have observed maybe I am wrong though.

Another thing I appreciate back at home is the respect women receive. I thought men in the US could be degrading but here it is just a part of their culture. I don't know how the women stand it. Men here cat call and stare at women all the time. They touch the women with out permission and whistle. The women here seem to not mind it but that is probably because they have grown up with it. Coming from the US I find this extremely disgusting and frustrating. It is liked I have stepped back in time. I know this is not how every Spanish man has acted it is just what I have seen so far. Even the pervy men in the US seem coy compared to the men here. Also women have better opportunities in the US for jobs and school.

All that said this experience has made me appreciate the Spanish culture but also my own. I love the US and after this experience I don't think I could live anywhere else for more than a year. España is great but long live the United States of America. <3