My month-long journey in Barcelona has sadly come to an end, but I know it will not be my last visit. Through this study abroad I’ve come to understand that travel is the fastest way to personal growth and expanding one’s worldview. This trip has made me more patient, adaptable, and skilled at connecting with others despite initial barriers. This was my first time traveling on my own and since then I’ve developed leadership skills by planning day/weekend trips that not only I enjoyed, but also provided memorable experiences for my fellow Aggies. We all had a great time exploring together!
Our day trips and weekend trips helped us gain independence and allowed us to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, culinary experiences, and new environments. Learning how to master the metro system, meeting with locals, and hearing the stories of expatriates have all taught me lessons that will last a lifetime. After this transformative experience, I am now considering finding an internship in England next summer or even moving abroad after college, because I have a dual citizenship there.
Although a lot of locals spoke English, my initial impression of language barriers being a significant challenge proved less daunting as I became more comfortable with basic conversational Spanish. The opportunity to practice through immersion was a personal achievement and allowed me to connect on a deeper level with those around me.
Overall, my time in Barcelona has been life changing. I have grown more adaptable to unpredictable challenges, confident, and open-minded, and in general ready to take on the complexities of our interconnected world. The friendships I made with Aggies and Barcelona locals have taught me lessons in my personal and professional life, leaving a lasting impact as I return back home with a new perspective on global business.
I can genuinely say that I learned more this past month in and out the classroom than I have in an entire semester worth of classes in College Station. Living and learning abroad forces you to push yourself and to learn not only content in the classroom, but also real life skills outside the classroom. This trip allowed me to meet new people, and see new cultures I wouldn’t have otherwise. It was such an invaluable experience. For those who are considering a study abroad in the future, don’t be afraid to take risks because you will learn so much. My only regret is not doing a full Fall or Spring semester! Lastly, trust your fellow Aggies, they are your family here. Study abroad if you ever get the opportunity!
