As promised, this is my blog for my semester abroad. I will be studying abroad in Madrid, Spain this semester rather than my usual Boston stomping grounds. I will be living with a host family and study at one of Madrid's most prestigious colleges, El Instituto Internacional. I will be taking three courses while maintaining an internship at a tourism office, called SOTUR : Sociedad de Promocion del Turismo de Castilla y Leon, in the center of Spain.
Rather than having to recall every enjoyable moment of my semester abroad when I return to Boston next May, I figured I would start this blog so my family and friends could read about my adventures as I experience them. By doing this, I can make sure I accurately describe and give proper attention to all these future events and each of you can get the full inside scoop! I promise to update regularly and to include photos
*You have been warned! There will be lots of photos of churches and ....FOOD!*
My plane takes off at 6:30 p.m. from Logan Airport, Boston on January 13th and arrives in Barajas Airport, Madrid at 7:20 a.m. on January 14th.
My flight home departs from Barajas, Madrid at 1:40 p.m. on May 14th and arrives in Logan Airport, Boston at 3:35 p.m. on May 14th.
Other notes to mention:
- Madrid is 6 hours ahead of Boston time
- I will have a cell phone, but I will be using it sparingly. Skype will be my main means of
communication to people back in the states.
- Skype accounts are free and very user friendly! I received a webcam from Santa so I will
be able to video chat with everyone (if you don't have a camera, you can still see me I
just can't see you).
- Facebook chat will also work, but my computer often struggles keeping a constant
connection with Facebook's chat system.
- I don't know if my host family will have internet in the house, but I will have internet
availability in cafes and in centers at the Instituto
- I will be maintaining three courses and my internship throughout the entire duration of
my abroad experience (in comparison to other BU abroad programs).
- My internship will fulfill certain requirements towards my Hospitality degree in SHA, while my three classes will complete my minor in Spanish language and literature.
- I plan on traveling so any recommendations are warmly welcomed! On my list already are
: Seville, Toledo, Barcelona, Dublin, London (or Wales), Paris, and ...PRAGUE!
Only 17 days until I leave! Until then I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years!
