Student view: Exploring Spain on a budget

Riley Lennon is a third-year student at Michigan State University from Troy, MI, studying advertising management with minors in public relations and business. She is a communications intern with the International Studies and Programs Office and for the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, where she creates digital content. Lennon is also involved in student organizations focused on marketing and communications and has a strong interest in global storytelling and brand strategy.

Traveling abroad can be expensive. When it comes to studying overseas, the price tag may be shocking, but there are many scholarships and opportunities that can make it more accessible.

Once I had the opportunity to travel abroad, it completely changed my perspective about making international experiences affordable. 

Over spring break, I went to Spain to visit one of my friends who is currently studying there, and it ended up being one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to experience another country without committing to the full cost of a study abroad program. While flights were still an investment, being able to stay with my friends made a huge difference. Not having to pay for housing significantly reduced my overall expenses and made the trip feel much more manageable.

Another major bonus was that my friend basically became our personal (and free) tour guide. Since I was traveling with a group of friends, it made everything feel even more comfortable and safe, especially in a new country. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out what to do, where to go, or how to navigate public transportation, we had someone who already knew it all – you could almost call her a local. She took us to all her favorite spots, showed us how to get around the city, and helped us avoid the typical tourist mistakes. It made the experience feel more authentic and a lot less overwhelming.

One thing we quickly learned is that being a student has its perks – even internationally. When we visited el Museo de Prado, one of Madrid’s biggest and well-known attractions, students were allowed free entry. And let’s just say they weren’t asking too many detailed questions about where we went to school.

Whether you’re a student in Spain or the U.S., a student ID is a student ID, so we took the win. It ended up being a great way to experience such an iconic museum without adding to our expenses.

We also spent a Sunday morning at El Rastro a huge open-air market, and it was one of the best places to shop on a budget. Everything was super affordable, and almost every vendor was open to bargaining, which we took advantage of. We were able to get way more for our money. One item at other stores cost the same as three things at the market, so it really felt like we were getting the most bang for our buck. It turned into a mix of shopping and negotiating, and both were very successful. By the end of it, we all left with something, including purses, a scarf and a small change purse.

Of course, sticking to a strict budget the entire time can be challenging when there is so much to do. We decided to splurge on one experience – the Real Madrid game. It was completely worth it. The energy and passion from the fans in the stadium was unreal, and it ended up being one of those experiences I can’t put a price on.

The trip made me realize that “going abroad” doesn’t have to look like a full semester or program. Sometimes, it’s just about being resourceful – and having a friend in the right place at the right time.

Banner image: The Real Madrid team and their opponents lined up singing the national anthem of Spain before the game. Photo by Riley Lennon.