Words and photos by Maria Brizon, who studied abroad with ASA in Sevilla during the spring semester of 2025.
Study abroad is one of those things you always hear about, whether it’s through your campus, social media, or stories from friends and family who have already gone. It’s often described as something you have to do to truly understand the experience and “find yourself.” Maybe you don’t want to find yourself abroad, and that’s completely okay. But one thing is for sure, your eyes will be opened. You’re exposed to different countries, languages, customs, religions, and ways of life that are so different from what you’re used to. You never really know what will happen or how you’ll change, and that uncertainty is scary, but also exciting at the same time.
I honestly had no idea what was in store for me when I arrived in Spain. Everything felt like something straight out of a movie. The streets, the architecture, the energy of the city...it all felt unreal, like I was living in a dream. Being away for four months is a long time, but during that time, I experienced independence in a way I never had before. I’ve always been the person others depended on, but suddenly I had the opportunity to focus on myself and make my own decisions. That freedom was new, uncomfortable at times, but incredibly rewarding.
While studying abroad, I learned how to be more flexible and how to let go of regret. I’m a very structured person. I like plans, schedules, and knowing what’s next. I used to think everything had to be mapped out to be meaningful. But being abroad taught me that some of the best memories come from not having a plan at all. A last-minute day trip, a spontaneous walk through the city, or randomly signing up for a pottery class or cooking lesson ended up being some of my favorite experiences. Going with the flow allowed me to be present instead of constantly worrying about what was coming next.
Having the freedom to do what I wanted without always putting others first has taught me something really important: it’s okay to prioritize myself. For the first time, my schedule was my own. During my free time, I explored downtown Sevilla, wandered through thrift stores and local markets, stopped by ceramic shops, and spent hours just walking around on my own. There was something empowering about moving at my own pace and making choices based on what felt right to me in that moment.
That independence helped me realize how often I had been living for others. Studying abroad showed me that there’s nothing wrong with choosing yourself and doing what makes you happy. Life isn’t meant to be spent constantly trying to please everyone else. Things will go wrong. Mistakes will be made. Plans will fall apart. But that’s all part of the journey you choose to take.
I still haven’t fully “found myself,” and I’m okay with that. Studying abroad didn’t magically give me all the answers, but it helped me understand something even more important: the best version of myself is the one that feels fulfilled, curious, and genuinely happy. And sometimes, all it takes is stepping out of your comfort zone and into a completely different place to realize that.
Thanks, Maria!