Spain: Bryce Bixon
Program: University Carlos III Exchange, Spring
Bryce’s Majors: International Business, Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that I don’t want to compare myself to what ‘everyone else does’. I formed a unique experience that satisfied what I wanted from my abroad experience. I spent most of the second half of my semester in Madrid, not traveling. I went to cafes, bars, and the park all the time with one of my best friends. Had a great romantic experience with a local. I didn’t want to be on social media looking at everyone traveling every weekend. That’s not really an authentic experience, which is what I wanted/got. Do your thing and be confident about it. I learned to be myself freely. There isn’t a place in my life to hide parts of who I am. Whether I’m around people who have different perspectives or interests, it’s good to express how you feel and share your thoughts. Also, expressing my sexuality: being comfortable talking about it and living it. That’s something I’ve been working on since December, and being in Spain helped me continue that process. I am who I am, that’s it.
Don’t spend all of your time with your friends or Americans. Explore Madrid (or whichever city you choose) to experience all it has to offer.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
Very different. Much less weekly work and studying. There is an emphasis on few assignments, such as group projects, presentations, and exams. Professors are willing to help, but overall, less support and direction than at UW. I felt like I learned much more at UW through my professors, and assignments/work throughout the semester. At UC3M, you can basically do nothing for weeks aside from going to class. Emphasis is on exams and projects. Grading scale is different. For wrong multiple choice answers, there is a “guessing penalty” of -.20 or -0.25. An A is a 90% and an AB is a 75%. Before going to UC3M, I expected As and ABs easily. AB’s are very manageable, but for the first time in my life I didn’t get any As. It didn’t matter, I had a great time in Spain and learned so much about myself and the world.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
Tortilla espanola. Very delicious, I am going to make it this summer at home! I want to continue to work on my Spanish skills, it’s important, and I have the potential to become fluent. Using my speaking skills with locals, I built up confidence to practice more, and I know that I am conversational. People in Spain take life a little slower, on average. More time with friends and family, people walk slower and always stop for you to cross the street. I am a calm person, and I like to live this way. It’s harder to do that in the US when life happens so fast. I will always remember my time in Spain, and I like to take life one day at a time. Living in the present and spending more time throughout my week with friends and family is a part of life I want to continue. Of course, I knew the importance of this before Spain, but it reinforces the importance of human connection, friends, and family above other things that aren’t as important.