Here is a snapshot of my time in Portugal and Spain: Cobblestone, curiosity, kind strangers, strange strangers, dogs with shell necklaces, fish heads, pigeons, palaces, grandmother chefs, overripe oranges against Andalusian skies, mid-day naps and much, much more.

Experiencing all of these things was beyond what I could have imagined when I applied to study abroad. Studying abroad was an idea that I always thought sounded fun, but never considered as a possibility because of timing, money and mostly anxiety. After learning that there were programs that did not last a whole semester or even a whole month, it began to seem like more of a possibility. After one of my roommates studied abroad and encouraged me to do the same, it seemed even more realistic. In a leap of faith, I applied. Almost immediately, I regretted my decision. I was so filled with anxiety — what if my plane crashes? What if something happens to my family and I’m not there? What if I get lost?

Luckily, the program I applied to required an eight week course prior to leaving, in order to get to know each other more and become more comfortable with the idea of traveling in a foreign country. As I got to know the group I would be travelling with more, I began to feel more content with my decision. They shared questions and insights I never would have considered, and offered advice and companionship. As we got to know each other more, we formed the beginnings of friendship and I felt more comfortable with every meeting. My feelings shifted from anxiety, to curiosity, to excitement and then those feelings chased circles and squiggles around each other leading up to the trip.

Suddenly, after eight short meetings, our departure date arrived. Out of all the things I listed in my first paragraph, my favorite experiences abroad involved the people. While in Portugal and Spain, we had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world — lifetime locals, recent migrants, grandmothers, activists, academics and everyday people. Despite our differences in cultures, languages, nationalities and any other identities, we were able to connect on a human level.

At a community project in Setúbal, we were welcomed to a delicious home cooked lunch and lots of laughter. At a restaurant in Lisbon, a wonderful woman who ran the restaurant personally cut up and garnished some of our food and led us to laughter and happy tears. We played pool, table tennis and went rowing at refugee and migrant community integration projects. Overall, in spite of any language barriers, we found solidarity, kindness, lessons and friendship from the people we met. In addition, I grew closer with my peers that I was traveling with as we shared long meals, tackled early mornings and walked tens of thousands of steps together each day. We learned each other’s pet peeves, favorite songs and life stories, and we laughed a whole lot.

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to study abroad in Portugal and Spain for the experiences I have gained and for the people I was able to connect with. I would encourage anyone who can to give traveling and meeting new people a chance!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Multiculturalism and Identity in a Global Context