Spain: Christopher Bottari-Tower
Program: Saint Louis University-Madrid, Spring
Major: Mechanical Engineering
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from the program was becoming involved with a local Catholic youth group in Madrid. From the first time I attended, I was struck by how welcoming everyone was, even though I was still adjusting to speaking Spanish in everyday conversations. Despite the language barrier, people made a clear effort to include me in discussions and activities, which helped me feel immediately connected. What made this experience especially meaningful was being able to practice my faith alongside people my age from a different culture. It gave me a deeper understanding of both the universality and diversity of shared beliefs, since we were connected by the same foundation but expressed it in different cultural ways. Over time, this group became a key part of my routine in Madrid and helped the city feel more like home.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
The moment I am most proud of is how much I improved in my ability to communicate and build relationships in Spanish. At the beginning of the program, conversations required a lot of effort and sometimes felt intimidating, especially in group settings. However, I consistently pushed myself to engage with locals through everyday interactions, church activities, and sports like fútbol and pádel. Over time, I became more confident speaking Spanish and more comfortable in unfamiliar social situations. I am proud of the fact that I did not avoid these challenges, but instead leaned into them. Being able to form real connections in another language made me realize how much growth can come from persistence and willingness to be uncomfortable.
My advice to students with similar identities is to actively seek out communities where you feel a sense of connection, even in a new country.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
My identity as a student who values faith played a significant role in my experience abroad. Being involved in a Catholic youth group in Madrid allowed me to connect with people through a shared foundation while also experiencing how cultural background shapes religious expression. It helped me see both similarities and differences in how people live out their beliefs. My advice to students with similar identities is to actively seek out communities where you feel a sense of connection, even in a new country. At first, it can feel intimidating to step into unfamiliar spaces, especially when language or cultural differences exist. However, being open and willing to participate can lead to meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of belonging than you might expect.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Through this experience, I learned that I am more adaptable than I initially thought. Adjusting to a new country, language, and daily routine was challenging at first, but I gradually became more comfortable navigating those differences. I learned that growth often comes from consistently putting yourself in unfamiliar situations. I also gained a broader understanding of cultural differences in daily life. From how people socialize, to how they structure their routines, to how they express community and identity, I realized there is no single “correct” way of living. Experiencing Madrid helped me appreciate these differences and understand how culture shapes everyday life in subtle but meaningful ways.