I am loving my time abroad more than ever the past few weeks. I had an adjustment period where I missed home and my connections in Eugene, however there was a turning point when I began to feel close with others in my program here. Here in Madrid, the students have single dorm rooms. I was excited for this at first, but the first few weeks I did find myself a bit lonely. I started to realize I needed to take every opportunity to spend time with others, especially since my internship is a bit challenging socially (only 1 English speaker). I began to make more of an effort to go to dinner at the same time as friends and accept invitations when part of me wanted to stay in my room.
Through this, I’ve gotten close with a group of about 4 students. None of them are from the University of Oregon, which provides diversity and perspective to our conversations.
I have found it difficult at times to share my opinions in groups. My program has students from many different countries, and political and social beliefs vary widely. There are conversations where I sometimes feel isolated and hesitant to speak my mind due to fear of being rejected and excluded.
As for cultural differences, I would say the differences here take a little while to be realized. The average person around Madrid is quite friendly, polite, and helpful. Several of us who have features differing from the norm here (i.e red hair, curly hair, tall height), feel stared at throughout the city. People often remark that it is rare to see someone of my height and coloring, so I am not surprised I get stares. I don’t really mind, and I stare back!
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Thinking about culture shift, the first area that comes to mind is people walking/passing on the other side of the sidewalk. The Americans here have had a few good laughs when we talk about almost running into people, or doing the “this way, oh no that way” little dance when trying to pass people. I think Americans also feel frustration with no tap water in restaurants. America seems to be a hydrated country! I cope by bringing and huge water bottle around with me and filling it up in bathrooms.
One of the biggest takeaways for me currently is to be patient and sensitive to foreigners when I’m back in the US. I am always grateful when someone here makes an effort to use a few words of English if they know some, or when they slow down their Spanish so I can understand better. These small gestures make me feel welcome and cared for. Since there are so many Spanish speakers in Eugene and all of the US, I am looking forward to being more gracious and doing these gestures when I am home.
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By Emma Egbert, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Madrid, Spring 2024