What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?
I chose Barcelona because I wanted to travel to Europe and because I wanted the Spanish immersion. My mom also has long-lost relatives from Spain, and I was actually able to meet one of them for the first time while I was in Spain. Alongside my Spanish minor classes, the University of Barcelona also had philosophy classes for me to choose from for my Philosophy major.
Describe a typical day for you abroad.
I would take the metro to get to school, have breakfast and chat with other girls in my residence hall, go to class, have lunch with some locals I made friends with and learn how to play some card games with the Catalan card deck, which they would also play in Catalan (it made it challenging but super fun). Sometimes after class I would walk around La Plaça de la Universitat and shopping areas by the cathedral.
What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?
The most memorable aspect of my time was getting to see all of the beautiful churches and pass by all the famous architectural sites that were not only in Spain, but also in the different countries in Europe I got to travel to. I was captivated by the beauty all around me.
What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially if they share similar identities and/or are considering your country or program?
I would recommend making friends with locals, and especially to live with locals if you are looking to really get the Spanish immersion. It was more every day conversations than classes that really helped me improve in my Spanish speaking skills. Although it seems daunting, it is rewarding in the end to try to limit your English as much as you can so you get the full experience.
