The ISA JournalAlumni Perspectives: Studying abroad as an Introvert

Caitlyn Mayes is an ISA Madrid alumni and Global Ambassador at the University of South Carolina. In this blog, she shares her insights on studying abroad as an introvert.

At first thought, studying abroad as an introverted person doesn’t seem too wise of a decision. But after feeling stuck in my university city and in my repetitive habits, going abroad, specifically to Spain, seemed to be a perfect escape from my inner thoughts.  

I was, of course, scared out of my mind of going somewhere that I had no support system. As soon as I got off the plane, I spotted our ISA travel group immediately but was too nervous to introduce myself to new people my age who were from all over the US. A native Spaniard and ISA team member greeted me with a kiss on each cheek and a hug, a warm welcome I wasn’t quite expecting. I was so excited after that, the shock of being somewhere new and fresh and different gave me such a serotonin boost.  

After I arrived at my apartment with 11 roommates, my brain started catching up—I was alone in a strange city, one that spoke a language I was insecure about speaking.  My 4 American ISA-assigned roommates were lovely and helped me transition into our new reality in Spain. But I knew I needed to get out and explore Madrid, explore Spain because I had no idea when I would be able to return to it. 

As an introvert, I typically try to establish a routine when I move somewhere new, like ordering specific drinks at the same coffee shop every day, going to the same stores every week, and taking the same metro lines every day. A consistent routine helps me make meaningful connections in a way that doesn’t make me nervous to take part in it. The more I went to one cafetería every day, the barista who often had a scowl on her face complimented my perfume. She always smiled at me after that. As an introvert, it’s the little things like that that really make me put down roots and invest myself in a city, in the people, and in the culture they’re sharing with me. 

I had other roommates, Spaniards and Puerto Ricans, who I was scared to talk to at first. We became good friends and they are now the people I talk to the most. I was lucky that all of my Spanish-speaking roommates spoke English as well, but they were just as pushy to make me practice my Spanish with them as I was with helping them practice their English. 

I traveled alone throughout Europe and went to six countries, four of which I explored solo. I went through the same process of being nervous about opening myself up to new countries, especially ones with languages so far from my skill set that I was afraid to even travel there. In Portugal, I met girls my age from Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Argentina, and America. Girls I had never met before, and yet I opened myself up to the fun and camaraderie of strangers who made me feel so safe and important. I had no ties, no prior knowledge of these girls or what we would explore together, but I took a leap of faith. I leapt so far that I still think fondly of those girls and the nights we had together. As an introvert, I have no regrets and no awkward feelings when it comes to those experiences, something of a miracle in itself. Those strangers allowed me to come out of my shell in a brand-new environment with no one I knew around. I was profoundly terrified at the moment, but, looking back, I would make the same choices again and again. 

Curious to read more from ISA alumni? Read more blogs from alumni or explore stories about how other study abroad participants with unique identities navigated their programs.

Inspired by Caitlyn’s journey and want to discover your own while immersing yourself in a study abroad program? Fill out your details below to let our team know and we’ll help you find your adventure today!