It’s been a little over a week back in the States, and I cannot stop replaying events from this study abroad on repeat. The food was incredible (I have learned to eat slow to enjoy my tapas over 3 hours of socializing), the sights exceeded expectations (Park Guell and Sintra, Portugal being some of my favorites), and exposure to a new culture taught me more about humans than I have probably learned over the past 20 years of my life.
The most notable difference between America’s culture and Spain’s was the work-life balance. As a daughter who comes home to my auditor mother working till 2am, the sight of relaxed Spaniards enjoying a coffee in the morning with no sense of urgency was mind blowing. The siestas were also a part of the culture that I thoroughly enjoyed after a long day of classes and company visits. While this leisurely lifestyle was something I had known of prior to arriving overseas, it was not until I was immersed in the culture that I truly understood how normal this behavior was. Now reflecting on the stronger economy that America has, maybe it is due to our more work-heavy work-life balance, however, would strengthening our mental health with this relaxed lifestyle benefit Americans productivity in the field?
Something regarding the locals culture that I never quite grasped was the language. Having only studied French for four years in high school, and even then not being strong at grasping another language, I was worried that my lack of Spanish was going to significantly hinder my experience in Barcelona. The good thing about traveling to Barcelona, however, is that many locals speak English, and some even preferred my English over Americans pretending to be fluent with a few “holas” and “gracias”. Some actually would laugh and find it slightly disrespectful.
When coming home, my parents asked me the cliche question: “what was your favorite part”, to which I felt the most memorable part of this trip was to shockingly be meeting some incredible Aggies. Not to sound like a walking advertisement for TAMU study abroad, but experiencing a new country for a month with equally confused Americans is a real bonding experience. The stories of simple metro experiences, and walks along the Baltic Sea, or watching the sunrise in a different part of the world are some everlasting memories. Experiencing trials in a foreign country also greatly exposes a person’s character, and I can confidently say the people I got the privilege of enjoying this trip with were some of the most innovative, funny, and helpful friends I have ever met. The best part about these relationships is that these men and women who sat next to me learning global business in Barcelona very easily could end up being my co workers and/or boss some day. While I loved meeting locals, and new friends overseas, it was those that I will see in the halls of Wehner that left the biggest impression on me, and for that I am forever grateful for my study abroad.