How Taking a Gap Year Abroad Changed My Life

Hello! I’m Pluto, a gap year student studying abroad in Seville, Spain, with CIEE. I’ve been in the country for a few months already, and I’m excited to share my journey and experience living here. There is so much to love, not only about Seville and its amazing culture, but also the whole of Spain. Having the chance to live in what feels like a completely new world can be shocking and also beautiful. Taking this gap year abroad has truly changed my life.

One of the biggest changes in my life during this gap year is the feeling of gaining independence. Having spent the last 12 or so years of my life in school, I was accustomed to the structure of a school day and following a set schedule. During my gap year, I’ve been learning to adjust to the new sense of independence and the responsibilities that come with it.

I have a lot of free time during my week and the ability to travel on the weekends. However, since I am away from home, I am entirely responsible for myself and all my choices. Suddenly having the ability to decide everything for myself was shocking at first, but with each decision, it has gotten easier and instilled in me a new sense of self-confidence.

New beginnings and adventures

When I first arrived in Seville, I had a very small basis in Spanish, and I dove headfirst into trying to live a whole new way of life in a new language. I was told to expect a potentially big culture shock upon arrival, which could be challenging to adjust to at first. I was lucky to be placed with a very supportive host family, and I have made new friends through my program.

Every day has been a new experience, and even though it was initially shocking, it has been beautiful to see the different ways of life and cultures I've encountered while being in a new country. As I have spent more time here, it has started to become my normal. It’s easy to feel out of place when you're a foreigner in a new country, but the more time you spend there, the more you realize that despite all the differences, we’re all just humans going about life trying to do what makes us happy.

I have met and made some amazing friends through my program, as well as pushed myself outside my comfort zone to make friends outside of it. One of the best things I’ve done to meet people is travel, and I have met people from all over the world. It's been amazing to share stories and experiences with one another and just have fun together. Every person I have met has had their own unique perspective of the world formed by their experiences and life; it’s incredible to get to know people with that context.

Taking a gap year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it’s something I will never forget.