My Exchange Student Journey in Madrid

By Hila Galor, 3rd year student, Entrepreneurship and Business track

I’ll start by saying that going on a student exchange was one of the best gifts I could have given myself. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Traveling to a foreign country, exploring new places, meeting people from all over the world, immersing myself in a new culture and language—all of it was incredible. And yet, alongside all these amazing experiences, I also came to realize just how irreplaceable our country and Israeli identity are, especially since I went through this journey after October 7th.
I started my fi rst semester at Comillas Pontifi cal University in Madrid in early September. I connected with students from around the world through the courses I chose. I made friends from various European countries, New Zealand, and mostly from the United States. The vast majority of students from the U.S. were Jewish, which immediately created a strong sense of connection and shared identity.
In addition to making international friends, I also met many Israelis from different universities back home. It was the perfect opportunity to expand my social circle, ensuring that none of us ever felt alone. Whether it was Friday night dinners, celebrating holidays together (we shared festive meals for Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah), or simply having people who truly understood what it meant when something major happened back in Israel—this community became a crucial support system.

 
I traveled during a complex time when it was impossible to truly disconnect from home. Despite the physical distance, I tried to stay as connected as possible. Madrid has a strong Jewish community that organizes many gatherings and events. For example, I participated in a discussion with the community featuring Hadas Kalderon, who came to share her story with Jews living outside of Israel. As Israelis in Madrid, we felt a deep responsibility to attend and show our support. On October 7th, there was a demonstration of solidarity for Israel in one of Madrid’s central squares. My friends and I went to stand together, and it was one of the most meaningful moments of my time abroad.
This experience helped me grow in so many ways! I improved my English, took a Spanish course, and by the end of the exchange, I felt confi dent enough to hold full conversations in Spanish. I stepped out of my comfort zone and developed on a personal level—I became much more independent and proactive. Navigating life in a new country is no easy challenge!
If anyone reading this is unsure whether to go on an exchange, my answer is a defi nite yes! As I mentioned at the beginning, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beyond all the fun, the social life, and the travel, you gain new skills and develop in ways you never expected.
Wishing everyone a successful and peaceful second semester!