Studying abroad in the midst of a pandemic was a bold choice. I’ll admit, I didn’t believe I was actually going until I was sitting on the plane. Even then, I was hyper aware that the trip could be cut short in a moment’s notice and I’d be sent back home. I was keeping up to date with all of the restrictions and regulations of Spain and the United States every single day, hoping that with the rolling out of the vaccine and better management of cases I was safe to travel. Obviously, I was traveling to Spain out of pure indulgence and luxury. There wasn’t a need for me to go. I am so aware of the privilege I had to safely travel in the summer of 2021. For this, I was keen on following all mandates and regulations of the area. 

After two weeks of living in Salamanca, news broke that Spanish youth were primarily responsible for a new surge in cases. The country was in talks of another shutdown in order to manage the outbreak. Our program directors were helpful in providing up to date information and recommendations for staying safe. As a group, everyone was carefully monitoring their wellbeing and whereabouts. I woke up early one morning feeling incredibly ill. Panic sunk in immediately. I had just gone on a day trip to Segovia with the entire program. We travelled on a cramped bus together for four hours. If I had COVID-19, I ran the risk of affecting the whole group. I contacted our program director and asked him what I should do. He calmly advised me to go to the hospital and get checked out by a professional. I cried as I waited for transportation to the city. Of course, I didn’t know what the sickness was yet and this could’ve happened to anyone. We all took the same risks being in Spain. However, I felt so bad that it was me; I was the one who was about to cause so many problems for our program. I was seen by a medical professional rather quickly, a difference from the U.S. that I was incredibly grateful for. Our program director stayed with me the entire time, reminding me that everything was going to be okay regardless of the outcome. I am so lucky to have travelled with a team of such helpful and caring people. As I was in full panic mode, Miguel remained calm and reassuring. The doctor diagnosed me with pharyngitis (which I think is just a big word for a severe sore throat). She still recommended that I get tested for COVID-19, so I wasn’t in the clear just yet. 

For this, the entire UMass program had to quarantine as we waited for a time to get tested and receive results. At first, no one knew that it was me who caused the situation. But as rumors began to circulate, I took it upon myself to let the group know that I wasn’t feeling well and could potentially have the coronavirus. I didn’t want everyone to point fingers, and at the same time I figured it was best that they know in order to determine their amount of contact with me. Everyone was so kind and sympathetic to the situation. Of course, they were all bummed that we had to miss out on two days of exploring Salamanca, but a lot of people were more concerned about how I was. I was really grateful to have made friends by this point, because I needed a support system to talk me out of the overwhelming anxiety that I was feeling. 

Again, as the amazing program director he was, Miguel offered to host a virtual concert to keep us entertained and to perform his singing/guitar-playing skills. This was such a nice gesture to soften the blow about the news of a brief quarantine. At this point, we knew for sure that we couldn’t go to classes the next day. However, no one knew if it would just be for the next day or even longer. It all depended on receiving negative test results.

In the end, we thankfully all tested negative: my illness wasn’t COVID-19. I could deal with anything as long as it meant everyone else was healthy and free to do what they wanted. Even though it turned out okay, I’m glad that I took the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the community around me and took it so seriously from the start. I recovered fairly quickly and got back to exploring my new surroundings in no time. 

As I reflect back on this small, but stressful moment of my trip, I’m reminded more of the compassion that I was met with than anything. I take this time to thank everyone in the program for dealing with a tense situation with such grace.