 "Photo: Roxanngely Correa-Torres")
 "Photo: Roxanngely Correa-Torres")
 "Photo: Roxanngely Correa-Torres")
 "Photo: Roxanngely Correa-Torres")
A tus atardeceres rojos
se acostumbraron mis ojos
como el recodo al camino.
The ideas of study abroad programs in Spain are currently a popular one amongst universities promising a new perspective on life, ideas, and the world.
One year ago, hopeful Spring 2011 study abroad students at Suffolk University said their farewells to their loved ones in Boston, eager to begin a fresh, new chapter. As a descendant of Spanish, my expectations for the Western European nation were merely ordinary. Unbeknownst to most, our lives would change forever.
Whether it was the intimidating essence of the Spanish lifestyle, day drinking in Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro) or the overwhelming amount of eggs and ham pertaining to the Spanish gastronomy, Madrid initiated a culture shock most American students had never experienced.
The first travel trip to Sevilla united students closer together. Beautiful weather, rejoneo (bullfighting on horseback) horse-show and a group of sensual Flamenco dancers at a local tablao was difficult to outshine.
Soon enough, strangers became familiar faces, particularly in the three-hour process it typically took for all to get ready; these consisting of hair straighteners, men designer fragrances and numerous boxed liter cartons of Don Simon or Rioja. Most of my personal Madrid nightlife experiences began in Augusto Figueroa Street's luxurious and socially-active residence, better known as "Chueca."
The Madrid discoteca scene can be summarized in one word: KAPITAL.
Seven themed floors of madness, Europe's latest house hits and suspended dancers. Every clubber's dream, every claustrophobic's nightmare, all with a splash of Fanta Limon.
Life-of-the-Fiesta and Suffolk Madrid-renowned Ping-Pong player Christian Roberts looks back on the semester.
"Madrid is the most beautiful city in the world. I miss too many things and don't have all day to list them all," admitted the Seriously Bent member, "but I can tell you that I miss speaking Spanish, jamon Serrano [Serrano Ham], Kapital, and just the energy and anticipation of being in another country awaiting new possibilities."
One of the most talked about trips of the semester was Dr. Raul de la Fuente's Astronomy trip to the Canary Islands which required days without sleep.
"Pain and suffering are always worth it," said Gabriela Sterling, "especially in Las Canarias!"
Aside from joy-filled activities, the Madrid Campus and excellent staff were able to provide students with a different style of education and deliver additional concepts that the Boston campus professors, perhaps, would be limited to formulate.
"Going to Madrid was the opportunity of a lifetime. Deciding to go was one of the best decisions I've ever made." Sam Kossow, a Government major, has some straightforward advice that guarantees a fantastic experience: "If anyone is considering studying abroad, you should go for it; it will be an experience you never forget."
Senior Kristel Tupja spent a total of three semesters in Spain, and having the chance to travel throughout Europe, comments on what drew her to return over and over again.
"Madrid is infectious, a place that finds a spot in your heart and never lets go," she stated, "If I was given the opportunity to go again, I'd be on the next plane to Barajas Airport without skipping a beat."
Perhaps the Suffolk Madrid building wasn't equally modern as our neighbor campus of St. Louis University, with its signature red brick buildings and outside patio, but they lacked what ours possessed: Amy ("Mom") McAllister, and the most talented, funniest and overall best group of people I've ever met in my life.
It is also impossible to forget our dear friends at Chapman University in Orange, CA, who suffered severe culture shock with the East coast Bostonians more so than with the Spanish.
Gracias.
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