My Struggle for Spanish Amigos

This past semester I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain. While I loved most aspects of my experience, one area that was lacking was the friend department. Before going to Spain, I had high expectations about making a lot of friends while abroad. I knew that by default I would make American friends through my abroad program. What I was more excited about was becoming friends with Spaniards. I figured befriending Spaniards would be the best way to learn the language and the culture, and who doesn’t want a foreign friend (or boyfriend)?

My first few weeks in Spain I was extremely gung ho about meeting Spaniards. I soon came to realize that they had very little interest in getting to know me. My eagerness to meet Spaniards quickly began to dwindle. This was catalyzed by my strengthened bonds with American students. I think because we all felt like outsiders at first, and were going through very similar emotional experiences, forming friendships was seemingly natural and effortless. At first I was very disappointed with the situation and felt like I had given up too soon. The more I talked to other American students on my program and different programs, I heard more stories very similar to mine. Students who did make Spanish amigos were introduced by their Spanish host brother or sister. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity of having a host brother or sister to expose me to an authentic Spanish social life.

While I wish I had been able to develop deeper friendships with Spaniards, I am now comfortable with my attempts and ultimately failures. I still had a great experience and made such good friends during my time at Spain that I don’t feel like I missed out in the slightest.