What inspired you to travel abroad?
I’ve always been driven by a curiosity to see the world beyond my comfort zone and to challenge myself both personally and academically.
The idea of immersing myself in a new culture, learning a different language, and building an international network was incredibly appealing. I wanted to gain a global perspective and develop skills that would set me apart in my future career.
Studying abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to grow, adapt, and discover new passions.
Why did you choose the Studykai International Education | Study Abroad in Spain program?
I chose Studykai’s program in Barcelona because I could enroll for two semesters and get real-world experience.
The curriculum offered courses in entrepreneurship and digital marketing, which aligned perfectly with my interests. The program’s hands-on internships with startups and multinational companies promised practical exposure.
Plus, the flexible program lengths and strong student support made it accessible and adaptable to my needs.
Exploring Barcelona with classmates
What was your favorite part about Barcelona?
Barcelona is an amazing city. My favorite part was how the city blends history with innovation—you can explore centuries-old architecture in the Gothic Quarter in the morning and visit a bustling tech startup hub in the afternoon.
The vibrant food scene, the Mediterranean beaches, and the nice people made every day feel interesting. There’s an energy in Barcelona that inspires you.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience extraordinary was meeting so many interesting people and getting to work on startup projects, pitching business ideas, and networking with entrepreneurs.
The friendships I made with students from around the world—I will never forget. It was truly amazing each and every day here.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The Studykai staff were exceptional from start to finish. They helped with everything from visa applications and housing to cultural adaptation and academic advising. Their knowledge made it easy to navigate life in Barcelona.
They were always available for support, whether I needed help with coursework or recommendations for exploring the city. Their guidance created a welcoming and supportive environment that made it easy to settle in.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Looking back, I wish I had taken even more initiative to learn Spanish before arriving. While the program offered great language support, starting with a stronger foundation would have helped me connect even more deeply with locals and get more out of daily life.
I also wish I had explored more neighborhoods outside the city center to experience the full diversity of Barcelona.
Street interview
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with classes at the beachfront campus.
After class, I’d meet with my internship team to work on our startup project or attend a workshop with local business leaders. Lunch was often spent at a local café with friends, followed by exploring the city, visiting museums, or relaxing at the beach.
Evenings were for networking events, group dinners, or going out.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time, I loved exploring Barcelona’s neighborhoods, from the artistic streets of El Born to the lively markets of La Boqueria. I spent weekends visiting nearby towns, hiking in Montserrat, and enjoying the Mediterranean coast.
I also took advantage of the city’s cultural events, from music festivals to local fiestas. And I made sure to try as many new foods as possible with friends from the program.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a shared student apartment arranged by Studykai. The best part was living with other international students, which created a supportive community and made it easy to make friends.
The apartment was centrally located, making it convenient to get to class and explore the city. Having roommates from different backgrounds enriched my experience and led to many memorable late-night conversations and shared adventures.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should know that Studykai’s program is as much about personal growth as it is about academics.
Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and take advantage of every opportunity—whether it’s an internship, a language exchange, or a spontaneous trip with new friends.
The more you put into the experience, the more you’ll get out of it.
Street interview with friends
Would you recommend Studykai International Education to others? Why?
Absolutely. Studykai offers a well-rounded, supportive, and impactful program that balances academic learning with real-world experience.
The combination of professional internships, cultural immersion, and a vibrant international community makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to broaden their horizons and gain practical skills for the future.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit is the transformation that comes from stepping outside your familiar environment. Traveling abroad challenges your assumptions, builds resilience, and helps you develop a global mindset. You learn to adapt, communicate across cultures, and see the world from new perspectives.
All of those skills are invaluable—both personally and professionally.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time in Barcelona has made me more independent, confident, and open-minded. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and built a global network of friends and mentors.
The experience has inspired me to pursue international opportunities in my career and to continue seeking out new adventures and learning experiences wherever I go.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means immersing yourself in a new culture, building genuine connections, and allowing the experience to change you for the better.
It’s about being open to learning, contributing positively to your host community, and returning home with new perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose.
