What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the interest in not just exploring the world, but also studying the world. I was blessed enough to be able to have been to Europe before, and my experiences there prior to studying in Barcelona helped open up my mind to a life there.
Another reason I wanted to go abroad was because of how easy it was to visit another country in a few hours and the place having a completely different culture. This is something studying in the US does not offer.
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
I chose IES because it offered a sense of family to my experience. The resources that were available for assistance and adventure were more beneficial than any other in my opinion. It was also one of the more popular programs used in the past for Penn State and I heard of other past students who studied abroad enjoyed it very much.
What was your favorite part about Barcelona?
Growing up a FC Barcelona fan is part of the reason I chose to study in Barcelona. So I would have to say being a part of something I have always dreamed of was my favorite part about studying in Barcelona.
Also, Barcelona is a very diverse city. It offers foods from all around the world at a high class level. It has different social scenes for all different types of people. And, it has a wide variety of history throughout its city and nation.
Barcelona, Spain
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Local staff supported me through my program because of the resources they provided. They provided a list of trips and adventures to go on with other students. Some of these were trips you would not think to do without the program providing them. Another resource they provided was medical attention and a way for an international to receive medical needs if they needed them.
Did your program provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
Yes, it provided information on each city's Covid guidelines so that we were aware of them.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
My program offered information on how to stay safe by avoiding certain areas and being able to have a number to call in case there was danger. The tips and advice my program offered benefited me as well as others during our time abroad. Being in a foreign city, you might not know what to expect, so safety must be a priority in everything you do.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I made more of an effort to try speaking Spanish to locals. Spanish has always been something I have wanted to learn, but it has a lot to do with confidence. It does not always come naturally to people, so you must go out and try it yourself. That is something I wish I did more because knowing a second language, such as Spanish, is very beneficial to the real world.
Seville, Spain
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
First, I would wake up for school, and get the metro to class. Once class was done or if I had a break in between a class, I would try a different restaurant or food than the day before. If I had time I would then make a plan to see a certain building, monument, or view. If there was a soccer game at night, I would most likely get a ticket because I love European soccer. If not, I would plan out where I am going that weekend with friends.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
In my free time I enjoyed doing several things. One being, planning my next trip. I always made an effort to travel each weekend. It did not matter who I traveled with, I just always knew to have another person with me because I am in an unfamiliar place, and being alone would not be safe. If I was not planning my next trip, I would make an effort to try a different restaurant and spot in the city.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had an apartment with two other Penn State students. It was a little far from my school, but there is always a metro nearby or way of transportation. It was also nice to have my own room because each of us typically ran on a different schedule during the week.
What I liked best about my apartment was that there were no dryers. That might sound weird, but I realized that air drying clothes is so much more beneficial to the environment and your clothes.
What is one thing every future participant should know about IES Abroad before their program begins?
One thing I would say to future participants is have a plan. Every day in Barcelona is what you make of it. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity so make the most of it. You do not want to leave and wish you could have done it differently.
Another thing future participants should know before arriving in their host city is that not every living situation is as nice as the next. You must be okay with receiving a less fortunate housing accomodation than someone else.
Budapest, Hungry
Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why?
Yes, it offers so much to people. There are so many different experiences for someone to go through. I would say you cannot go wrong with any city, but I will say you must have a plan for your time there.
Find a reason to study somewhere, but make sure your location offers what you want. Do your research though. Make sure your program helps you achieve the goals you want to accomplish during your time abroad.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is experiencing different cultures, and having the opportunity to explore the world. There are so many opportunities, you will not be able to capture them all, but with a positive mindset you can achieve a lot.
There are so many students studying abroad, and you might just meet friends for life. You might find your future home, or future career abroad. There is an endless list of opportunities.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It has helped me become more grateful for what I am given. It showed me that there is a whole world out there waiting for us to take a chance and explore. It has also allowed me to have the chance of being an ambassador so I can help others in their journey abroad. It has shown me what I truly want to do in life. I can speak on that more if anyone has any questions.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means that I am able to learn more about that specific location, and also myself. I believe that every time you travel you must set a purpose. You must be able to set your goals and want to go out and achieve them. There is a whole world out there, and if you do not make your mark the first time, who knows when you will be back.
