Howdy! I just finished my study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and I am so grateful for the most incredible opportunity. This truly was an incredible experience, and I learned so much.
Starting off with my two classes with Professor Daria and Maria, I was able to learn about the EU, Spain, and International Business, and the differences and similarities between the economies of the EU and US. I loved both classes. Sometimes it was difficult convincing myself to study when all I wanted to do was explore Spain, but the course load was very manageable. We also got to experience company visits which helped me understand what businesses abroad look like day to day. Some of our visits included going to a knife company, the Port of Barcelona, a Spanish Parliament tour, and companies in Galicia, Spain. My favorite part of the trip was the hikes with Ines, seeing and touring Sagrada Familia, and exploring other parts of Europe on the weekends with new friends. One of the biggest things I learned about Spanish business was how different the EU is compared to NAFTA. The EU truly combines the economic, political, and social elements of different European countries to create a better European Union overall.
This global experience has impacted my personal, academic, and career goals and outlooks. Personally, this was my first time going to Europe, and I didn’t realize how much I would love traveling to different countries and cities. During my 3 months abroad, I got to go to Seville, Spain, Huelva, Spain, Cadiz, Spain, Cordoba, Spain, Ibizia, Spain, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, France, Nice, France, Eze, France, Geneva, Switzerland, Interlaken, Switzerland, Barcelona, Spain, Galicia, Spain, and so many other small cities in Spain. This grew my confidence as I traveled solo, sometimes teaching me independence and self-reliance. I also learned how kind strangers are and how helpful it is to know another language. Academically, my decision to minor in Spanish was reaffirmed, and I now want to learn another language as well, possibly French! I also want to explore working or interning abroad next summer and in the future as well. As far as my worldview and outlook, I truly feel that my perspective on life and the world has changed. This world is so big, and I am such a small, small, part of it. It was so interesting to realize how different the world is, and how much we can learn from other countries. Back in America, I hope that I take away Spain’s laid back culture and work environment, Switzerland’s love of nature and being outdoors, France’s confidence, and how European countries care for the environment. Though I missed America, my friends, and family, I am grateful for how I learned that there are many ways to do one thing, many definitions of success, many types of people, and many lessons to be learned.
I am so grateful for this opportunity. I absolutely loved my studying abroad experience. This is my favorite thing I have done in college!
