Exploring Spain, in pursuit of adventure and education
Sophomore Ediza Koch takes in the scene at Plaza del Sol in Madrid, Spain. (Photo courtesy of: Koch)
Interview by Kenna Caprio
April 25, 2019 — Sophomore Ediza Koch is taking a break from being a student ambassador at the Metropolitan Campus to study abroad in Spain this semester. Here, the hotel and management major talks about her adventures in and around Madrid.
FDU: Why did you decide to go abroad?
Ediza Koch: Even before I began my college application process, I knew I wanted to study abroad. In fact — I was thinking about taking a gap year to travel. I’m glad I didn’t, though. By being able to fulfill my need to travel and at the same time pursue my studies, I am living the best of both worlds.
Together with a group of friends, Ediza Koch explored Segovia, a Spanish city north of Madrid, with a rich history. (Photo courtesy of: Koch)
FDU: Why did you pick Spain?
EK: During my first semester at FDU, I declared a minor in Spanish. When I did this, I made a personal goal to become somewhat fluent in Spanish before graduating. This is the reason why I went for a Spanish-speaking country. I specifically chose Spain, though, so that my sister (who lives in Paris, France) would be able to visit me. It was so nice to be reunited with her for a weekend! She’s my piece of home away from home.
FDU: What’s the single most fun experience you’ve had so far on this trip?
EK: Wonderfully, there are several small historic cities surrounding Madrid. With a student metro card, they are a free one-hour bus ride away, so my friends and I visited one of them, Segovia, for a day trip. There were so many beautiful sites in that city — the aqueducts, the Cathedral and the Alcazár de Segovia [a Moorish castle]. We stayed by the Alcazár de Segovia until it got dark and it was the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever experienced. Furthermore, my friends and I are all from different countries: Greece, Germany, Ecuador, Argentina, Italy, Luxembourg and the United States. It is so cool to be able to share our different cultural perspectives together as a group.
FDU: Where else have you traveled to in Spain? What’s the best place you’ve visited?
EK: If you ask a Spaniard what the most beautiful city is in Spain, they will most likely say San Sebastián [on the Bay of Biscay]. After visiting, I have to agree. I organized a road trip with a few friends to the north of Spain and witnessed the stunning views of this city and a few others within its vicinity (as well as in the south of France!) Just look at the view! I’m in love.
Ediza Koch calls the views in San Sebastián “stunning.” The resort town is on the Bay of Biscay in the north of Spain. (Photo courtesy of: Koch)