I arrived in Barcelona a couple days before the rest of the study abroad group got here. I contacted the dorms we were staying at, and asked if I could stay for two extra nights before our check in and they were very flexible and set that up for me. During those two days I mainly rested in the dorms, but also got familiar with the area around here and learned how to use the metro. On Monday the rest of the group got here, on Tuesday we started classes and we have been very busy since then.
Before getting here, I expected to be busy with only school. I thought school was going to be the only thing on the itinerary, and the rest of the time we would have for ourselves to figure out where we wanted to go explore or start studying for our courses, or really do anything. However, we have a lot of activities going on besides just school. We have had activities planned out for us almost every day. Last week we had a dinner on Monday, a scavenger hunt on Wednesday, and beach volleyball on Thursday. This was a pleasant surprise because the activities are fun and allow the students to get to know each other so it’s a good bonding time. They have also been set in new places here in Barcelona that we hadn’t seen, so that is nice cause we get to know the city a little more.
Besides seeing all of Barcelona, I also have an interest in exploring other cities in Spain. Most of the other students feel the same way, so we planned a day trip this weekend to Blanes/ Costa Brava. It was very beautiful and the transportation to get there was very easy to figure out. We just went to the train station and bought round trips to Blanes. We had. A blast and took some great pictures.
I am grateful that CIBS has put so much thought into our time here and are trying to make us get the most of it. The activities keep us busy and entertained, which is good, but the only down side to this is that in result we are very tired and struggling with finding time to fit studying in. after this first week in Barcelona I found that I have to do a better job at time managing and finding when I am going to fit in some studying so that I can also succeed in my courses, while still enjoying this trip to the fullest extent.
