I recently started studying in Barcelona at Universitat Pompeu Fabra for the spring semester, and it has felt like starting college for the first time. Once I arrived in Barcelona, I was amazed by how the way of living is different from that in College Station. Everyone is always out at every hour of the day, which really makes you wonder what people do for a living. The atmosphere here is very laid back, and people are really focused on having a good work-life balance. I see this a lot at my university since there are always many students outside talking to each other or just enjoying the fresh air. Back at home, students don’t spend as much time outside as they do here, and they usually like to catch up over some lunch or coffee. The campus here is much smaller than A&M and feels more modern. The professors teach very differently, and each has a unique style. The classes are a lot less demanding than the ones at A&M, but I have a feeling they will get much harder towards the end. School here is like a fashion show, everyone is always dressed their best. I have not seen any athletic wear or sweatpants on campus, which is very nice because I can dress how I want to without the fear of being “too much”. Other than studying and shopping, I have been making many international friends, which has been the sweetest experience because they are all so unique and interesting. We have been cooking dinners together to share our culture. Overall, I think that when I go back to the US, I will definitely bring a part of Spain with me, whether it is eating dinner at 10 PM, being more social, or spending more time outside. It has been a rollercoaster being here so far, but I know that it will all be so worth it.
