What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired to go about because it truly is a once in a lifetime experience and we are only this young once, so why not take advantage of that. It also gave me the opportunity to travel around and see so many other countries with different cultures, languages, and food!
In addition, as a business major, I also wanted to see the diverse business landscape of not only Barcelona, but also those of the places I visited.
Why did you choose Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona?
Campus Casa Convalescència, Barcelona.
I felt that the program I selected, the Barcelona Business and Culture Program, was a perfect fit for my goals and interests. I wanted to learn more about business operations in an international context while also gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s culture.
Overall, I truly believe I could not have chosen a better program for myself.
What was your favorite part about Barcelona?
I absolutely loved that there was always something new to experience, whether it was a different activity to enjoy or a new type of food to try.
Coming from a very rural town, it truly felt like the opportunities were endless. The diversity of people, cuisines, and cultures throughout Barcelona was simply incredible and made every day exciting.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I believe my experience abroad was truly extraordinary, especially because of the people I met along the way.
I arrived completely alone, unsure of what to expect, and left with many meaningful friendships. They made the beautiful views, delicious meals, and fun nights even more memorable and special.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I felt like there was always someone I could reach out to whenever I needed support or guidance, which made me feel very comfortable throughout the experience.
I also loved being able to talk to my professors about my personal experiences and hear their own stories, which made the classes much more engaging and meaningful.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If I could redo my time abroad, I would approach it with a more structured plan from the very beginning. I wish I had organized and scheduled some trips in advance, as it would have helped me feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
Having a clearer plan would have reduced stress and allowed me to fully enjoy each experience while still leaving room for spontaneous moments and unexpected opportunities.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical weekday usually consisted of me waking up around 7am. Once I was ready for the day I’d eat breakfast and head to class before 8.
Some days I would pack a lunch, go home for lunch or if I felt like treating myself I’d eat out. Between classes I would usually grab a snack at a super mercat, hang out with friends, journal or just walk around.
After school my friends/roommates would all wait until in the living room until everyone was home and we’d make dinner, drink sangria watch Netflix (mostly Bridgerton), and finish the night with a sweet treat.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
On the weekends I traveled of course, but in between moments I journaled. It was something new that I thought would be fun to be able to look back on. I would write about what saw, heard, and even smelled, not only on my trips but also during my daily life in Barcelona.
After trips or busy weeks in Barcelona I would take all of the little things I collected (receipts, wrappers, transportation cards, tickets, etc.) and put them into my junk journal.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a residencia and I absolutely loved it. I specifically lived in Aparto Cristobal de Moura. I loved that although we had a common space in the apartment we also had our own rooms and bathrooms that was completely separate from the living space.
I also enjoyed that they planned events for us to participate in and of course the amenities like the pool and gym. But, the rooftop was my absolute favorite part of my accommodation, the view was beautiful! You could see everything from the Tibidabo, to La Sagrada Família, and Torre Glòries.
I loved going up during sunset to journal, I wish I would have discovered it sooner!
A taste of Catalonia: calçots.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Take advantage of every opportunity for a new experience.
Whether is saying yes to trip with people you just met or participating in an event your university hosts. Just go. Or even if it’s talking to whole elementary class that’s on the metro.
You’ll meet so many amazing people, you just have to open to it.
Would you recommend Study Abroad at UAB: Pre-Established Courses to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend my program to others without hesitation.
The classes offered were engaging and interesting, and the professors I met were absolutely amazing and supportive. Everyone was so friendly and genuinely interested in our experiences, always making sure we had the best time possible.
I truly could not imagine selecting another program.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad was the independence you gain from the experience.
For me personally, coming alone pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to do things on my own or make plans with new people. I believe this helped me grow, become more confident, and develop important life skills.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
The view over Barcelona from Montjuïc.
I think it still feels so unreal, almost like it didn’t actually happen at all.
It’s crazy to think about how much life I truly lived there while everything back home seemed to stay the same. It’s honestly difficult to explain the mix of emotions and the mindset shift I experienced during that time.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me is more than just where you going. It’s about the people you are with and the people you will meet. It’s about eating the food you’ve been wanting to try and eating the food you’re nervous to try. It’s about seeing the famous sights but also appreciating the beauty around them.
Meaningful travel is living in the moment; appreciating every word, every bite, and every place. Meaningful travel is being able to look back at a city or country and viewing it as more than being just a place but viewing it as all of the memories it’s given you.
