Reflection Blog Post #1
I have discovered so much about Spain so far. Nothing is what I would have expected it to be before starting this study abroad program. The people are incredibly friendly and are willing to speak to me slowly in Spanish to help me understand what they are saying, most people also speak a relative amount of English, and everyone has been patient with me and going about certain transactions of business. I expected that the majority of citizens would only speak Spanish, but I was very wrong about that. When I have trouble speaking certain words and phrases in Spanish, those I am speaking to will kindly interrupt and let me know they also speak English to help me. Another preconceived expectation I had coming to Barcelona was that the weather would be much different and cooler than it is in Texas. The weather here feels very similar, and the humidity feels exactly the same. During the middle of the day, it feels just as hot as Texas, and I end up getting just as tired of the heat as I would back in the United States. One perspective of mine that changed is how the tourism is run here. I expected there to be places everywhere dedicated to tourism because of how popular of a place Barcelona is, but to my surprise I only see tourist dedicated places every once in a while. So far from the places and areas I’ve visited, I have not been able to see much of what I expected with Barcelona tours and certain attractions, but it could only be because I have not reached certain points and areas of Barcelona. With the Aggie community we have begun to build, I could not be happier with what kind of a group of people I have been put with for this study abroad program. All of my fellow classmates are so kind and inclusive, and I have been getting along with everyone so well. Along with the students, the professors and faculty have also been amazing with integrating us into this program. The professors have been able to give us great advice and tips for our time here in Barcelona, all while being able to teach us all the class material at a reasonable pace. I have only been in Barcelona with my fellow Aggies for a little less than a week, but I already feel very close and connected with everyone. Not only me, but it seems like everyone else is getting along with each other and I am so happy and grateful for that. Having everyone get along and be friends makes this study abroad very enjoyable.
