Alumni Interview with Sabrina Green 

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I wanted to go abroad to experience a different way of life. I wanted something new and exciting and felt that going to a completely foreign place with a new language would be exactly what I was looking for. I’ve loved traveling my whole life and I knew that studying and living in a new country would be an immersive alternative to staying in the U.S. to finish my degree. 

Why did you choose ALBA Study Abroad, Barcelona?

I chose ALBA because I felt that it was a program that was super accommodating to my needs and that I was not just another student. The program made it easy to get to know all of the staff and students and helped with individual goals whether that be a need for an internship or accommodation for different housing. 

What was your favorite part of Spain? 

My favorite part of Spain is the culture. I love the vast difference in the way that people live their lives. It is much more laid back and the people care about their relationships. I loved sitting in a restaurant for hours while building new relationships with other locals. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

The ability to try new things. I felt that being able to explore with no rules or expectations really helped me grow as a person. I was truly able to learn so much more about myself, the place that I was, and the people around me. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout ALBA Study Abroad, Barcelona?

The staff was the most supportive staff of any company I have ever come across. They were so welcoming and accommodating to everyone's needs. Being in the office and being around for extra support was amazing, but the staff at ALBA goes above and beyond to really get to know every student. They also help introduce new parts of town through different walking tours, or recommendations for new cool places to explore. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your in Spain? 

I actually don't know what I could or should have done differently. I think that my time abroad was perfect as it was. I am different than who I was, so my choices would be different going back again. I think the way I lived my life, where I lived, who I hung out with, and where I liked to go was perfect and exactly what I wanted when I was in Barcelona. 

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

There is no typical day abroad which is the beauty of being abroad. Every day is jam-packed with a bunch of new adventures, different than yesterdays, yet there are still a few steady elements to it. Class is a constant. Every Monday through Thursday we have class and on Fridays we have excursions. They were such a great way of seeing different parts of Spain that you would typically not see if it weren't for ALBA. Other than that, days are fun to explore the city and surrounding areas, eat new foods, and try new gelatos places all while finding your 'special' spots. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time in Spain? 

I loved to listen to the street performers and write in my journal. I found that free time, without the anticipation of seeing and doing, was best spent sitting on a bench in the city, writing, and listening to some amazing music. 

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

I lived in an apartment with other students in the program. I really liked this accommodation because it was so cool to be able to really feel as if I was living in Spain. In this program, students lived in different parts of the city, so we really got to know all the different areas. I loved being able to explore different apartments and areas with all of the new friends I made. Each apartment was unique which made us feel like we were getting a real Spanish experience. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about ALBA Study Abroad, Barcelona before they arrive?

Every student should know that they will get outside of their comfort zone. They will have the opportunity to explore Spanish culture through cooking classes, excursions, and so much more. These experiences might be different than what they experience at home, but nonetheless, it will add to becoming a well-rounded citizen of the world. 

Would you recommend ALBA Study Abroad, Barcelona to others? Why? 

Yes! It was an incredible experience and I feel that ALBA really allowed the independence to go and explore the country and city. ALBA staff makes everyone feel so welcomed and included. 

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

The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is understanding more about yourself, the world, and people you would never have met otherwise. 

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

I feel that my experience abroad has really become an extension of who I am. My perspective is so different than it once was, and I am reminded of this often. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is so important to expand your perspective. To me, it means really immersing yourself into a new culture. This not only impacts your life but the way you see life and treat others around you. It is an incredible thing to have an opportunity to really understand and get to know a new place.