Semester in Barcelona

I studied abroad in Barcelona during the spring semester of my junior year, and it was by far the best decision of my college career. I decided to go abroad even though I didn’t know anyone else leaving our home campus for four months, stepping into the unfamiliar. That uncertainty became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience, as I quickly made lifelong friends who were in the same situation.

During those four months, we explored the streets of Barcelona, tried new foods, and navigated Spanish while shopping. We would walk to class together, often leaving early to explore the city along the way. Traveling around Europe added another layer of adventure, creating chaotic yet unforgettable memories that I’ll always cherish. Returning to the U.S., I feel so lucky to reconnect with both new friends from home and those I met abroad, reliving those memories while continuing to create new ones.

While the friendships and adventures were the highlight, the academic experience was equally invaluable. The classes connected our curriculum to current events in local areas and across Europe, providing a unique, real-world perspective. The professors were passionate and knowledgeable as they had studied or lived abroad themselves, so they understood our perspective as students navigating a new country. Their expertise, combined with their local insight, made learning engaging and relevant. Field trips throughout the city complemented the lessons perfectly, allowing us to explore Barcelona while seeing our curriculum come to life. Learning in a different country provided an experience that was truly transformative, both personally and academically.