Welcome to the first episode of the semester! I hope you all had a great start to 2025 and are ready for another season of conversations on identity, culture, and life abroad.

To kick things off, I’m joined by Loridana Foksha, who is giving us a recap of her semester in Spain—living away from her home in the U.S. and NC State. From the excitement of immersing herself in a new culture to the challenges of adjusting to life abroad, Loridana shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments of her time in Spain.

She takes us through the thrill of discovering Spain’s vibrant art scene, the charm of spontaneous travelling experiences, and the inspiration she found in the country’s rich history and architecture. But beyond the postcard-perfect moments, she also opens up about the struggles—language barriers, unexpected college life, and the challenge of truly feeling at home in a new culture.

Along the way, Loridana reflects on the simple yet profound joy of watching people go about their lives, soaking in the energy of a new place, and truly living her dreams. From moments of deep connection to the quiet beauty of everyday life, she shares what it means to embrace change and find inspiration in the world around you.

Whether you’re dreaming of moving abroad, reminiscing about your own travel adventures, or just curious about the realities of expat life, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at the highs and lows of starting over in a new country.

Tune in for stories of self-discovery, cultural surprises, and the lessons learned from embracing the unknown.