Alumni Interview with Mayra Figueroa

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I was inspired to study abroad from the first semester I began my education in college. I remember walking around campus seeing flyers posted and seeing myself in a foreign country one day. Although I was initially motivated to go to Italy, I ended up going to Barcelona, which met and exceeded any expectations I had about studying abroad. 

Why did you choose CAPA The Global Education Network?

I chose to study abroad with CAPA in Barcelona during Spring 2019 due to many reasons. The first, it was very affordable, and when I say very, I mean VERY affordable. Compared to a four year institution, CAPA working closely with my community college made it possible for me to go at half the price of what other universities cost. Also, I received financial aid to help pay for the program expenses through scholarships offered by CAPA as well. The second is because its timing was perfect. I knew I wanted to study abroad, and Spring 2019 was technically the only semester I could study abroad before any major changes in my life, so it worked out perfectly. Lastly, I studied abroad because who wouldn't want to study abroad in Barcelona? A Metropolitan city full of culture, music, architecture, food, and art from left to right. I simply felt that my heart was gravitated to this city and once there, I discovered why.

What was your favorite part about Barcelona, Spain?

My favorite part about studying abroad in Barcelona was the personal growth I experienced. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and do things I guess I have always wanted to do, but never really did because of my lifestyle (work, school, etc). Since I was only doing school and not working, I discovered I had plenty of time to do activities I normally wouldn't do, such as cultural activities going on in the city, hiking (my favorite), language exchange events, and even writing. I even wrote about about traveling! I treasure it so much because it is a written memory of my experience, the ups and downs, and new things that I encountered that left an impression on me.

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

My experience abroad was extraordinary because of the cultural immersion. Living with locals made me feel like I was actually getting that real experience of interacting with people from all over the world, especially considering that Barcelona is a very touristic place. Also, going to so many museums made me really get a whole new perspective on art, and a new appreciation for artists who follow their passions such as Picasso. I learned a lot more than I would have in a classroom, making the world my campus.

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?

There was a very central location for our staff that helped us in anything we needed support with. They were very friendly and prompt with finding solutions collaboratively.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

If I would do this all over again, I would change a few things. 1) I would eat more at home by buying fresh food in local markets rather than eating out every day. Trust me, budgeting is very important! 2) I would stay more weekends in my city rather than visiting other cities. I loved exploring more places, but at the end I was feeling as though I didn't get to explore as much of the city as I should have. 3) I would have studied abroad as a freshman sophomore rather than as a junior, only because the class availability is more likely to match during our first years in college than later on.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

A typical day abroad was going to school from 11am-4 pm, then I could either go home and work on homework or go to the beach and study there (since it was only 20 minutes away). Because I enjoy photography, I would also go to places to take some shots, and edit them as I would get home. At night, I would take some time to write about anything I did during the day that impacted me, that was new, or a challenge I faced and how I overcame it. this was usually Monday through Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were free days for us, so normally we would schedule weekend trips with some of my classmates.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?

During my free time I loved taking pictures, going on hikes with locals, thinking about life while walking by the Sagrada Familia, or in Park Guell and getting inspired by all the multiple ways art was manifested throughout the city. Since I am a music lover, I LOVED walking by the streets and seeing locals make music either on the metro or in parks or simply on my way to school. This is something I don't encounter in my normal home city so I definitely enjoyed this. Made me feel at home!

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

I lived in apartments with locals. I did share the apartment with four other girls, so that was fun. It was at a very great location where we could access food, transportation, tourist spots, and school.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

Before going abroad, I really recommend having no expectations. From my experience, some classmates had a vision of what studying abroad would be like, and they were somewhat disappointing after these not being met. Having a very open mindset of going with the flow will help you go a long way and enjoy the program to its best. Also, of course, budgeting and saving up money before going abroad.

Would you recommend CAPA The Global Education Network to others? Why?

I definitely recommend CAPA for future students aspiring to study abroad, mainly because it is very cost effective, they find great accommodations and make sure to update you on activities coming up in your global city so that you can be as immersed culturally as possible, of course all of this to impact positively your journey.

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?

My biggest benefit is gaining twenty-first century skills such as cross-cultural communication skills, problem solving skills through real life experiences and getting out of my comfort zone, converting me into a person who is unafraid of taking risks (reasonable ones, of course).

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

I see life with a totally new lens. I have had job opportunities mainly because I studied abroad, and also, I am motivated to help as many students as possible to study abroad. I also feel like I am more understanding of diversity and embrace my own uniqueness. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel means, as world traveler Nicos Hadjicostis puts it, departing from one’s little pond, and capturing the soul of the city. Meaningful travel is not the same as tourism. Meaningful travel consists in challenging oneself, doing activities that one normally wouldn't do in one’s daily life, facing challenges with a positive attitude and embracing change.