Ending my study abroad trip in Barcelona is a bittersweet experience filled with both sadness and excitement. I’m sad to leave such a beautiful and vibrant city, which has offered me countless memorable moments, but at the same time, I’m thrilled to return to College Station with a whole new group of friends that I might never have met otherwise. Many of my friends back in College Station are business majors like me, but none of them were interested in studying abroad. Initially, I envisioned doing a study abroad program with people I already knew, but when that wasn’t an option, I had to decide whether to forgo the experience altogether or to take a leap of faith and join a program hoping to make new friends. Choosing to go into the program without knowing anyone turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
I’ve never been the most independent person back in College Station. I usually hesitate to join clubs or attend events unless I already know someone involved. This made the decision to join the study abroad program especially challenging, but I am so grateful that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. During my time in Barcelona, I formed deep connections with so many amazing people, and now I can return to College Station with an entire study abroad friend group. For anyone considering studying abroad, my biggest piece of advice is to join a program even if none of your friends are doing it! You will undoubtedly make incredible friends and create bonds that last a lifetime.
Additionally, for those considering a faculty-led, one-month study abroad program, I recommend enjoying the city where you’re studying, but also making sure to keep up with your coursework. I found that doing a bit of studying every day after class made a significant difference, especially when trying to manage the intensity of a semester-long business class condensed into a single month. Lastly, don’t limit yourself to just the city where your classes are held. If you have the opportunity, travel to new places on the weekends. My friends and I explored Costa Brava, Ibiza, and Portugal, never spending a weekend just in Barcelona. This allowed me to see so much more of Spain and Europe, enriching my overall study abroad experience.
Something I learned about myself while studying abroad is a newfound confidence in my independence. Being in a foreign country pushed me to navigate various challenges, many of which I had to face on my own. For instance, I had to overcome language barriers, figure out how public transportation systems work, manage practical matters like budgeting in a foreign currency, and even figure out how to make a connecting flight in under 45 minutes while still needing to go through baggage claim and customs. These situations require quick thinking and resourcefulness, often in high-stress circumstances. Through these experiences, I learned how to be independent and solve problems effectively, even when the pressure was on.
This newfound sense of independence is something I’m eager to bring back to College Station. I now feel more confident in my ability to tackle challenges and step outside of my comfort zone, which has inspired me to join more clubs and organizations, even if I don’t already know anyone in them. Studying abroad has taught me that embracing new experiences and relying on myself can lead to personal growth and exciting opportunities, and I’m excited to continue applying these lessons in my life moving forward.
