Kaylin Worthington is a student at Colorado State University and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Malaga, Spain.
Well, this is my first time studying abroad, and I have to say I really enjoy it so far! I could tell you that you should absolutely do it, that you’re missing out if you don’t, please go be cultured, blah blah blah—the usual that everyone and their advisor (if you have one like mine, who’s already started trying to plan my next study abroad program) will tell you, but I will let these photos speak for themselves! No place is perfect, but it’s certainly incredible living in another language.
One of my favorite sayings is a Czech proverb. It states: “You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you only live once.” The fact that you know another language doesn’t create this new life; rather, it provides the opportunity for another life. Having studied Spanish gives me this opportunity to study and get to know the people and cultures here in Málaga, Spain, and I am ever grateful. Here are some pictures to capture the beauty that is Málaga!
Can I be basic for a minute and admit…I like long walks on the beach. Especially when they’re this beautiful.
Plaza de la Marina, pictured above, was the first ISA meeting spot. It’s right across the street from El Centro, where the ISA office is located, along with all the main shopping centers, restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and the majority of ISA housing. Not only that, but there’s a beautiful fountain that performs a little show for you, right next to the port, which was our first view of the ocean when we arrived!
Don’t you just feel the wanderlust bubbling up from within you? Look at these signs! Makes you want to travel while you’re “in the area” (if you can call 8000 km in the area). Well, you can! Many flights out of Málaga are pretty cheap, and most of the group already has plans to visit other countries and make the most of the reduced costs—most are less than 100 euros.
Look how close you can get to the beach and the center—literally in it! Of course, you have to pay thousands of euros of rent per month, but…to each their own. What do you think? ¿Vale la pena?
Last but not least—many people are torn between whether they want to live by the beach or by the mountains. No pasa nada—we have BOTH! You can surf, scuba dive, snorkel, swim, and you can hike!
If the photos haven’t convinced you already—study abroad! I can already tell it’ll be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m in love and it’s only been two days! You meet so many amazing people, from the North Americans in your program to the international students from other countries to the natives themselves. I encourage you—take the opportunity to live another life!
The World Awaits…Discover it.