Go abroad. Please! A notice to any college student anywhere who may come across this, please take my advice - spending time studying in another country is something you MUST do. I know you were most likely told to never listen to strangers but I beg you, hear me out.

My name is Michael Loiacono and I am a junior studying business at, and through, Syracuse University here in Madrid. Unfortunately, my semester will be coming to a close within the next two weeks so Ben and Marina have asked me to write (for an internship they provided me with - another great experience I can take away from here) a brief reflection/advice entry for any fellow students who may be looking to come to Spain.

But before I get into details let me give you the single most important instruction: JUST GO!

Highlights

To be honest before I came here, I couldn’t have told you the difference between a tosta and a tortilla. But Spanish food is something incredible that once embraced, can allow for some memorable meals.

Spain, and Madrid in particular, is a great jumping board for trips to other countries. It is great to embrace Spanish culture but getting a small feel for places all over Europe is equally exciting. I was able to make trips to Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, and picking a favorite is nearly impossible. Also, I had peers who made their way out to Portugal, England, Ireland, Czech Republic, Turkey and Greece.

All I can say about these places is that reading a book or browsing online only goes so far. Seeing for yourself is an overwhelming experience that has profoundly changed the way I view people, places, and culture. Truly an eye-opening experience.

Essentials to buy before arrival

While many students like to go out and pick up guide books on what to see and do etc., one thing I have found is that those books do not provide very insightful advice on foods and types of foods. Find a quick and easy guide book to Spanish food. This will make your dining experience much easier and allow you to cipher out your favorites quickly.

My second tip may involve a bit more planning than some like when they travel. But for students it is a great way to save money. Tickets. Those who had planned at least a few trips before they arrived saved much more than those who paid premiums for last minute trips.

My last tip is actually not something to bring but something not to bring. Before you go many people may scramble at the last minute to pick up attire. The truth is, once you are here there are numerous places to find inexpensive, well made and most of all fashionable clothing. Save your money in the U.S. and buy the goods here.

Things I had wish someone had told me before I arrived

Find good places to get good tapas. Once you understand the methodology by which tapas work they are a great way to socialize and enjoy Spanish cuisine.

On the same note the best bars and restaurants tend not to be in any book. Get lost, take a chance and try places that you may walk past, I have found these places to be the most rewarding for food, drinks and nightlife.

Arrive at a restaurant at 1:30 in the afternoon to find it dead and at 2:30 to find a completely packed house. It’s as if the second the clock hits 2, the entire country runs to eat. Good to know when planning your day accordingly… and if you’re coming from America, do not expect the service you are used to, waiters and waitresses do not work for tips here and it translates!

Conclusion

The best way for anything however is to learn for yourself. That is why more than anything I have told you, my most important piece of advice is just to come here. You always hear how great going abroad is, and the fact is that the experience lives up to the hype. Push yourself, and try something that will undoubtedly change your life. Coming abroad has always been something I wanted to do, a dream for me, and these past four months have been nothing short of that.

For a run down of my specific tips for Madrid, head over to notesfrommadrid.com