Living in another city is more than just knowing the restaurants or public transportation; the beauty of Madrid is learned from its people. Whether it’s through reading, hiking, art, yoga, wine, or architecture, there’s always a way to pursue your interests and immerse yourself more fully in the local culture. For me, the highlight was joining a field hockey group, but I know friends who participated in soccer tournaments, sculpture classes, and theater or dance events. In a busy, large city like Madrid, I found that taking part in these local communities became a key way to fully experience the city.
I joined a field hockey group, “Manzanares,” at the beginning of the semester. By the end, I was playing twice a week with friends from all ages and countries. Most of my teammates were from Argentina, and for them, the team was a way to connect with others who shared a similar background and to welcome newcomers. After every Thursday practice and weekend game, we would head to the bar together; I walked in with my band of locals to meet the friendly bar regulars. My friends introduced me to the bar owner, and every time we arrived, he would greet us with drinks and tapas. It wasn’t just about playing hockey, it was about the conversations and the chance to practice my Spanish, to better understand the local culture and how socializing plays such a central role in people’s daily lives. Through the patience and kindness of my teammates, I found myself forming strong friendships that went beyond the field. Even when life got busy with exams or travel, I always looked forward to these moments of training. Outside of my host family, these were some of the closest friendships I formed in Madrid. When my parents visited, I even brought my mom to meet the team and play with us. The stability of this community became an invaluable part of my experience abroad.
In reflecting on my time abroad, I realize that I didn’t need to completely reinvent myself to adapt to life in Madrid. Of course, I embraced the local culture, food, and rhythm of life, but I also held onto my own interests, which helped me connect with others. The people I met, both in Madrid and through my study abroad program, were genuinely curious about different cultures and excited to welcome me into their own. The friendships I built were rooted in shared experiences, both new and familiar.
Ultimately, I came to see that living abroad isn’t just about adapting—it’s about finding balance. By maintaining some of the routines and passions that made me happy, while also embracing the new experiences around me, I was able to create a fulfilling life in a new place. Moreover, with the challenges of immersion and the often uncomfortable necessity to make yourself vulnerable, it is incredibly helpful to rely on some of your old comforts to engage with new groups. The things I loved doing before I arrived in Madrid, like playing field hockey, became ways for me to not just enjoy myself but also to bond with others. Looking back, I see how the joy of continuing familiar activities while also discovering new ones enriched my time abroad in ways I hadn’t expected.
