Recently I had the incredible opportunity to revisit Spain where, as a young and excited college junior, I spent a year studying in Madrid and experiencing life abroad. That year was one of the most memorable of my life!

This time, still excited and eager to learn, I was there to document the partnership between Endicott College in Beverly, MA and its sister school, The College of International Studies (CIS) in Madrid, Spain.  My husband is a Dean at Endicott and was one of several faculty and staff making their first visit to CIS.

While CIS offers some of the same programs as Endicott, it is so important to have first hand knowledge in order to speak to the students about studying abroad and authentically convey all that CIS and Madrid has to offer.  

The President, faculty and staff of CIS graciously opened their doors and their hearts to us. They were all so kind and hospitable. They were especially patient with me as I tried to remember my Spanish. Well, I was fluent when I left Spain many years ago.  We had 5 incredible days filled with tours of the school, residence building, guided walking tours of Madrid, the Prado Museum, a Flamenco show, a day trip to Toledo and many other cultural activities. We experienced tapas, churros, homemade paella and even had a class from a wine professor in the history of wine. One professor from CIS offered the new exchange students an invaluable piece of advice. She urged them to put down their phones and fully experience the culture, customs, food and people of Spain. The Endicott faculty and staff were able to visit internship sites where Endicott students can gain valuable insight into various career paths. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the headquarters and facilities of Real Madrid soccer club. I am not a huge sports fan but Real Madrid was insanely impressive! 

Madrid is vibrant and filled with rich architectural history. Being able to document the  trip and all that we experienced was so exciting. I will be forever grateful to both Endicott and CIS for welcoming me into their academic world.

My wish would be that all students have an opportunity to study abroad at some point. I promise you, it will change your life forever in the most remarkable way. There is nothing like that feeling of wonder and enlightenment while experiencing another culture! 

 ~ Theresa