A lot of people spend a lifetime searching for a place to feel at home. Many people find that place, and many others can feel at home wherever they go. For me, that place is Spain.

Last year’s study abroad program to Spain was my first time outside of the United States. In fact it was my first time off the East coast in general. I’m entertained by the fact that I have visited more places in Spain, and seen more cities in Europe than I have in the United States. You can spend a lifetime searching for a place to fit in, and I’m relieved to have found my place so soon.

This summer I’m living with the same family I lived with last year. My mama Ana and I immediately picked up where we left off last year. It hardly felt like a year had passed. The only advantage to so much time passing between visits is that now I speak more Spanish and understand WAY more of what she says to me. Coming back is like a personal test that I wanted to take. Did I improve my Spanish over the year? Do I feel like I’m really capable of making a life for myself abroad? Luckily the answers have all been yes.

Some people wondered why I would take the same exact trip two years in a row. They were perplexed by the notion, and didn’t understand why I wouldn’t want to explore other places besides Spain. For me the answer is clear. I wanted to come home.