These auxiliares and other Fulbrighters in my program have become my friends and have helped me feel better about some of the struggles I’ve faced when adjusting to Spain. They’ve given me helpful advice about how they adjusted, and we have had conversations about silly things that we miss from home - like peanut butter or mac and cheese! It has been comforting. I’ve also been especially lucky because one of my best friends from college, Zoe, moved to Spain in October. It’s been so nice to be able to see someone from home regularly!
But, adjusting to life in Spain was also really hard. Having to navigate important tasks in Spanish was incredibly stressful. I struggled with setting up a new bank account, getting a cell phone plan, and signing for an apartment all on my own. I get homesick, sometimes too. Especially around the holidays, it’s hard to feel happy in a city so far away from your cultural norms, family and friends. I’m thankful for things like FaceTime and Facebook messenger, which help me stay in contact with my loved ones back home.
The thing that’s helped me the most with making Madrid feel more like home has been being open. Most Spaniards are known for being friendly and warm. I’ve kept this in mind throughout my stay, and have leaned into the norm of being more friendly. This has helped me in making connections with others.
Once, while hiking with fellow Fulbrighters Morgan and Audrey, we asked some other hikers for help on the trail. Their names were Ana and Alejandro. We had a brief conversation, then they invited us to accompany them on their hike! We made it to the top of the mountain together, ate lunch as a group, and they even offered to drive us back to the train station!
