In the spring of 2025, I studied abroad in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. My goals were to grow personally and professionally, strengthen cultural awareness, and learn to adapt to new environments.While I anticipated challenges, I also hoped that immersing myself fully in another culture would push me out of my comfort zone and give me a deeper understanding of myself and the world. Looking back, my time in Spain far exceeded those expectations.

One of the most striking differences was the routine of daily life. Spaniards follow a slower, more balanced schedule: shops close for “siesta” in the afternoon, meals are late and social, and most people walk or take public transportation. Communication in Spain felt much more relaxed than I expected, people spoke casually rather than formally, and even sensitive subjects like politics were part of everyday discussions both at the dinner table and in school. These differences challenged me to rethink how societies prioritize relationships and communication, and I grew to appreciate how central family and friendships are to life in Spain.

Academically, my internship at Hospital Clínico de Pediatría was eye-opening. I witnessed many cases, but one stood out: an eight-year-old girl who had been in the emergency department for nearly ten months after fleeing a domestic violence situation from her father in Peru. When I asked a resident doctor about treatment, she explained that the hospital’s role was to provide comfort and safety. This challenged my understanding of healthcare. I realized that treatment is not always about medications or procedures, sometimes stability and compassion are the most important interventions. This experience reaffirmed my future goal to approach medicine holistically, acknowledging both the personal and emotional components behind every diagnosis.

Outside of class, volunteering with the Red Cross at the hospital became one of the most meaningful parts of my semester. We played games, read books, and created a sense of community for children undergoing difficult experiences. One teenage girl loved practicing English and spent every session asking questions. On my last day, she told me, “You changed my life.” That moment reaffirmed my love for working with children in healthcare and reminded me of the profound impact small acts of service and care can have.

The experience also came with challenges, especially living with a host family.  Living with a host family was initially intimidating. I worried about the language barrier and about fitting into an established household. At first, I barely spoke during meals, nervous that I would make mistakes. Over time, though, I gained confidence, and with my host mother’s encouragement, I realized I knew more than I thought. This challenge turned into one of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Spain because it improved my Spanish speaking skills while also helping me build resilience and adaptability.

My study abroad experience changed my perspective and continues to guide my personal and professional goals. It taught me resilience, cultural adaptability, and the importance of approaching every interaction with compassion. My key takeaway is that growth happens by leaning into discomfort, whether in language, culture, or professional settings. Looking ahead to my career in medicine, I know these skills will help me become a more empathetic and well-rounded physician. My semester in Spain reminded me that healthcare is about more than science; it is about building trust, creating community, and valuing humanity.