​I’ve always dreamed of living abroad. I love meeting new people, discovering new places, and stepping out of my comfort zone, so when I got the chance to do an internship in Málaga, I didn’t hesitate.

Now, one month in, I can honestly say: it’s been amazing, messy, and life changing all at once.

The first weeks feel like a dream

The first two weeks felt like living in a dream. Every day was something new, exploring the city, going to the beach, trying Spanish tapas, meeting new people from all over the world.

I met so many people so quickly that I suddenly had plans every single day. It was exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. I wanted to do everything and go everywhere. It took me a while to realize I also needed to slow down, rest, and actually take care of myself.

You have to learn to balance fun and real life

Because I was always out, going for drinks, dinners, or after work hangouts I didn’t give myself much time to settle in. Groceries, cooking, laundry, even just having a quiet night at home, I kind of forgot about all that at first.

And honestly, my wallet felt it too. Between eating out, weekend trips, and spontaneous plans, the first month got expensive fast. I don’t regret it, those experiences were amazing, but I’ve learned that finding a balance between fun and responsibility makes life abroad a lot smoother.

Independence hits you faster than you expect

Living abroad quickly teaches you how to rely on yourself. I remember the first time I had to deal with paperwork for my apartment, it felt confusing and intimidating, and I wasn’t sure if I was doing it right. Navigating a new city, or showing up at my internship where I didn’t know anyone yet, it was all on me.

But you figure it out. You make decisions, solve problems, and slowly realize - you’ve got this. By the end of the first few weeks, I could feel the change. I was more confident, more self-reliant, and a little proud of how much I’d grown already.

You Build a Support System Faster Than You Expect

The thing that surprised me most? How fast I made friends. Everyone here came alone, so it was easy to connect, and now I’ve got a group of people who make this new city feel a lot more like home.

My Take After the First Month

Living abroad is exactly what I hoped for, exciting, and full of lessons. It’s not just about the travel or the new experiences, but about the person you become along the way. If you’ve ever thought about making the move, my advice is: do it. It won’t always be perfect, but it will be unforgettable.