Calle Juan de la Cosa

Yoanna Chavez

Major: Biomedical Science
Minors: Chemistry
     Spanish
     Global International Studies

Studying Abroad in Santander Spain

I’m in Spain!! Never thought I would be on the other side of the North Atlantic Ocean, but I am! Arriving to my host family’s home I was really nervous even though I had talked to my host sister through WhatsApp. My family consists of my host mom, Mercedes, and host sister, Julia. I was worried about whether they’d like me and about us getting along because I would be living at their house for the rest of the summer in Santander. My worried feeling diminished when I met my host mom Mercedes. As soon as she saw me, with my luggage in hands, through the glass door she smiled, ran to open it, and hugged me so tight that I felt relieved and so welcomed by her.  She also gave me a kiss on each cheek, which initially startled me but I came to realize this is their way of greetings others. She then helped me with my luggage so we could go up to their apartment (I have recently learned that in Spain this form of living space is called a Piso). At the door I saw my host sister, Julia. She had the biggest smile and the curliest hair I had ever seen. Then again, I received another heart-warming, tight hug from her and a kiss on each cheek. They both were so happy to see me! I immediately felt all the love around me and I couldn’t stop smiling. I was extremely lucky to have been placed with such a loving, caring, and awesome family. I get along very well with both of them. They are the best. I can truly say that Julia and I really clicked right away. Julia has been the person who helps me with EVERYTHING. She is the one who helped me get a bus card and she showed me how and where to recharge it. I was really shocked to see how efficient transportation is and how easy it is to get from point A to point B. She has also helped me with exchanging my money, which went smoother than I thought it would be. I also thought it would be hard to communicated with my family back home but I am able to text them using WhatsApp and FaceTime pretty well. My mom is not as worried any more since I can talk to her at any moment and since she knows I’m in good hands. Overall, Spain is going great! I’m exploring Santander with the coolest guide, Julia and trying amazing new foods and living life to the fullest.

Categories: Spain, Cantabria, Summer II, Adjusting to new Surroundings