Maple Buescher
Hi!! My name is Maple and I'm a junior at Bates College, where I am a member of the sailing team, the orchestra, and everything in between. I am the Editor in Chief of our student newspaper and am interested in pursuing a journalism career.
Blogs by Maple Buescher
Now I am Often Angry: Re-entry Reflections, Part 2
Being home is a mix of emotions, but for me it often includes anger and frustration at people who don't share the knowledge and memories I've gained.
I Learned to Run in Madrid: Reflections on Endings
Training for a 10k provided structure and growth to my semester. Being home has changed the way I look at that growth.
My Favorite Classes: The Ones About Madrid
My favorite class this semester was called History of Madrid -- a joyful, in-depth exploration of the city I got to call home.
A Joyful IES Abroad Field Trip to Aranjuez
Field trips to nearby cities have been one of my favorite activities with IES Abroad Madrid. Here's a rundown of our recent trip to Aranjuez and its royal...
Your Ultimate Spanish Homestay Packing List
Packing for living with a family for four months is different from packing for a dorm or an apartment. Here's what I wish I'd known going in.
Fun Ways to Increase Your Language Exposure Abroad
Improving your target language abilities as best you can isn't as easy as just living abroad. Here are my top tips for increasing your exposure to the local...
You Should Volunteer Abroad
Volunteering in a Madrid elementary school has been one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences of my semester in Spain.
Survival Phrases for Your Homestay Family
Living with a host family has been the best part of my semester. It's also been challenging. I've learned some phrases to help.
A Pitch for Traveling Within Your Country
In deciding where you'll go on weekends, consider traveling in your country. My favorite memories have been in Spain, like the photo from Granada.
A Love Letter to Public Transport
What do an ancient palace, Madrid's tallest mountaintop, and the birthplace of Cervantes have in common? They're all dozens of kilometers outside of Madrid, and...
It Will Be Worth It: A Reflection on Predeparture Anxiety, Fear, and Thrill
I am anxious, and frightened, and unsure about the semester ahead. That's why I'm doing it. That's why I'm excited.