I am currently writing this in Madrid, Spain! I am a junior marketing major in the business school and I couldn’t be more excited to start my abroad journey. I have always wanted to study abroad but the fact that it is actually happening is so surreal. I am from a small town in New Jersey called Green Brook however, I am about 45 minutes from New York City and 45 minutes from down the shore, so not too boring! I have been to Europe before but I am excited for this new experience. I visited Barcelona and Portugal for my high school graduation and it was an amazing time. I went with my 3 Best friends and visited my friends family in Portugal. I guess that trip is what really made me want to visit Europe again. I just couldn’t get enough! I am studying through ISA Madrid which is a Pitt recognized program. I chose this program because I really loved the classes they offered. What I am most excited about is taking my international marketing class. Going from learning marketing in the United States to learning about it in a whole other country will be a great experience. I am curious to see the different academic cultures of the two countries. On top of the great class choices, ISA was willing to help me with all my questions and concerns and it seemed like the perfect fit. My program starts on Feb 2, which seemed so late to me since Pitt usually starts school in the beginning of January. All my friends started going back to school around the same time so I was home alone with my family. As much as I love being with family, I knew I would get bored. Since I was way too anxious, I decided to visit Barcelona before my program. I just arrived to Madrid after a long week in Barcelona. I had the time of my life! The food, the views, the people, everything was just so amazing and different but in a positive way. I am ready to take on the rest of my abroad journey