Arriving in Alicante filled me with excitement. To get to the hotel I would initially be staying at, I took a bus from the airport that provided me with a free mini-tour of the city. The European architecture, sand-lined beach, immense shopping district, mountainous terrain, every last detail left me in awe. The idea that this would be my home for the next three months, I still can’t believe it.

My second weekend here, my program took a trip to Granada. The city was absolutely beautiful. We got to tour incredible monasteries and cathedrals. What was most impressive to me was seeing the Alhambra, a giant Islamic castle stationed in the middle of Granada. I can tell you now, that will not be my last time in Granada!

I am now heading into week three here, and it has been the time of my life. My daily routine usually consists of taking the tram to classes at the university, going to the gym (which is covered in windows that open up right on the water), hiking up a medieval castle-topped mountain and enjoying the abundant nightlife. I am starting to really adjust to all the Spanish around me; I’ve only been here for two full weeks and my Spanish already feels like the best it’s ever been. The locals here are so accepting of international students, and they are always willing to help me practice (although it may take some patience on their end). All in all, I am happy to say that Alicante has become home.