I will forever be grateful for the four months I was fortunate enough to live and study in Spain. By the end of the semester abroad I made new international friends, core memories, and traveled more than I could ever expect. However within the first few weeks, there were a few cultural differences that were difficult for me to adjust to. I found that many of my American peers, who were also in my program, had similar feelings and experiences as I did.
The majority of Spain’s population is very religious and the country has a high number of people who identify as Catholic. Before living in Spain, I was not regularly exposed to religion and various practices. Many of my friends and family in the United States identify as Agnostic or Atheist. Growing up, my family and I never attended church. However, all of this changed once I made the move abroad.
In Oviedo, there are many cathedrals and on Sundays most people attend church. Sunday is also seen as a religious day and most businesses close. On Sundays, it is normal for a Spanish family to stay home and relax while spending time together. This was a hard adjustment for me as in the United States I prefer running errands and preparing for the week on Sundays. I rely on businesses and restaurants being open where I can complete my chores.
With time and understanding, I began to adjust to this cultural difference. I found it interesting to learn about the history of Spain and how religion influenced its development. I enjoyed visiting the beautiful cathedrals and hearing the story of how each one was built. In the center of each Spanish village, there is a cathedral that the entire town is based around. I was able to see the impact that religion had on life not only in Spain, but the entirety of Europe. And on Sundays, I learned to take the day to completely relax and decompress after a long week. This is something I will continue to value and do in the United States.
I also began to appreciate the meaning that Spaniards have with religion. Many of them found it as a way of life and their morals were based on Christianity. It was inspiring to see how deeply they valued it and how it brought many people together. I think that a person in Spain would view my experience as a normal part of everyday life.
Adjusting to culture and life in Spain wasn’t always the easiest, but I truly had an immersive experience. Many times, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and it forced me to grow and develop as a person. My semester abroad in Spain deeply expanded my horizons and opened my mind to new foods, cultures and religions. If there is one thing I can recommend for a student to do while in university, I would suggest studying abroad. I will continue to carry the important lessons I learned while in Spain with me through life.