When I boarded my flight to Spain, I expected a month focused on career growth and personal development. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply the city would capture my heart. July in Barcelona became a vibrant blur of professional milestones, thrilling international celebrations, and late-night laughter with friends who quickly felt like family. From stepping into my role as a marketing intern to embarking on unforgettable weekend escapes and discovering iconic landmarks, my time abroad was a defining chapter. This is the story of an unforgettable July, the lessons learned, the places explored, and the memories that made it impossible to leave empty-handed. 

Internship

My main purpose for going to Barcelona was to work as a marketing intern at Talent Garden. Throughout my time there, especially in July, I was able to connect with incredible individuals who helped shape where I am today. I gained deep insights into the company as a whole while continually building and refining my marketing skills. 

World Cup season

One of the best parts of July was experiencing the surrounding excitement of the World Cup. I spent many evenings watching the games with friends, and after every victory, we got to see the local celebrations firsthand. It was an unforgettable time to travel through Spain. One of my few regrets was leaving before the final match, which would have been an incredible event to experience in person. 

Weekend escape: Rome, Italy

During my first weekend in July, I traveled to Rome for the first time with friends to explore its breathtaking culture and history. My main recommendation for anyone visiting Rome is to avoid going in the peak of summer. The massive crowds and long lines — combined with the intense heat — made it difficult to see everything on our itinerary. On a positive note, make sure to set aside time for souvenir shopping; one of the highlights of the trip was browsing local leather shops with my friends to find the perfect keepsake.

The food in Rome was equally memorable. The portion sizes were a complete 180-degree shift from what we were used to in Barcelona. With massive bowls of pasta and generous pizzas arriving at our table, we found ourselves full in no time.

Tourist attractions

During my final weeks in Barcelona, I prioritized visiting the city’s iconic landmarks. My first stop was the National Art Museum of Catalonia; from its striking exterior architecture to the artwork inside, it was easily some of the most beautiful work I’ve ever seen. Next, I explored Antoni Gaudí’s masterworks, starting with the famous Sagrada Família. It stands as the most stunning building in the city. The wait for Sunday morning Mass was exceptionally long, even arriving two hours early, I nearly missed getting in. I also visited La Pedrera, another strikingly unique design, and finished at Park Güell. Park Güell quickly became one of my absolute favorite spots, especially as a fan of The Cheetah Girls.

The goodbyes

Our first round of goodbyes came earlier in the month and proved much harder than anticipated. Our original group of 12 narrowed down to just 4. Before the larger group departed, we squeezed in final shopping trips, group dinners, and late-night runs for sweet treats. Once it was down to four of us, we spent every free moment together before eventually parting ways. I never expected to form such deep bonds while studying abroad, and they are people I hope to keep in my life forever, regardless of distance. 

Final thoughts

July set a bar that is hard to match. Filled with non-stop excitement, warmth, and discovery, Barcelona was an unforgettable milestone. I look forward to returning one day to experience it all over again, there is truly no place quite like it.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Internships