Studying Abroad in Barcelona

Studying abroad has been a transformative experience that opened my eyes to new cultures and perspectives on a new continent. One significant advantage of studying abroad in Spain was the opportunity to practice my secondary language, Spanish. Proficiency in another language is highly advantageous in cybersecurity - my current major. During my internship, which occurred immediately after I returned from Spain, I learned that working in cybersecurity occasionally requires you to work in an international setting where multilingual communication is often necessary. Although most Spaniards speak Catalan, I was still able to communicate with them in Spanish. I challenged myself to do so every day, even though many Catalonians understood English enough to speak with tourists. This practice greatly increased my proficiency in Spanish and will enable me to communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different regions in my future career. Beyond academics, my time in Spain helped me grow personally and foster independence and self-reliance. These qualities, although not solely beneficial in cybersecurity, are universally valuable in any professional setting. I stepped out of my comfort zone and did my best to adapt to local norms. Among many things, this involved learning the local public transportation system (which to say I used frequently would be an understatement) and ensuring the safety of myself and my peers. I learned how locals dressed, acted, and protected themselves in the busy city. Additionally, I was offered numerous opportunities to learn about the culture and had the privilege of making lifelong friends with people from various corners of the United States and Europe. While exploring Europe, I visited three different countries including Spain, France, and Andorra. I ventured to monasteries nestled in the mountains, marveled at awe-inspiring churches and Basilicas (including, but not limited to the Sagrada Familia), viewed historical landmarks in and outside of Barcelona, indulged in regional cuisine, explored remote beaches, journeyed through caves and coastal cities, and, of course, experienced the vibrant and exciting nightlife the city is famous for! I am profoundly grateful for the support that made this journey possible and will carry the lessons and experiences I had with me forever.