By Kaitlyn B.

Published June 7, 2024

https://flic.kr/p/2pVXxms Peñíscola, a coastal town outside of Valencia On my first day of Spanish class in Barcelona, my professor asked us to write down some of our goals for the semester on a piece of paper. I had to think for a minute about what I wanted my goals to be. I had thought about…

By Daysha S.

Published May 18, 2024

Many things about moving abroad intimidated me: the language barrier, cultural norms, homesickness and even the metro. Before moving to Barcelona, I knew the main modes of transportation were public and generally consisted of trains, trams and busses. Coming from Kansas City, I've only ever used a tram once — at the zoo. That being…

By Kaitlyn B.

Published May 16, 2024

Before my semester in Barcelona, I researched everything I must do while studying abroad. Almost everything I watched and read talked about solo travel. This was something that made me nervous. I had never traveled and stayed in a new place alone. I was open to the idea, but the thought of planning a solo…

By Daysha S.

Published May 9, 2024

Making friends in a new environment is tough. However, when everyone around you is also trying to make friends, it is a little easier. Going into this program, I was alone. I suspected it would be days, maybe even weeks before I found a good group of friends while abroad, but I was wrong. My…

By Kaitlyn B.

Published March 14, 2024

Art has always been a part of my life but my passion and appreciation for it has evolved. Being from St. Louis, my family goes to the Saint Louis Art Museum together almost every year. On family vacations, going to the local art museum is always on the itinerary as well. As I have gotten…

By Daysha S.

Published Feb. 7, 2024

I’ve never been one to try new foods or branch out of my comfort zone. However, I knew if I wanted to make the most out of my time in Barcelona, I’d have to change that. Typically the foods I do enjoy and revert back to are spicy and salty. But, since being here, I’ve…

By Kaitlyn B.

Published Feb. 3, 2024

Being in Barcelona for almost a month now, I’ve settled into my routine, had some amazing new experiences, and learned a few lessons along the way. As much as I tried to prepare myself for challenges I may experience before arriving, some things still came as a surprise. My biggest surprise was that I had…

By Aidan R.

Published Oct. 3, 2023

https://flic.kr/p/2pgVW4S La Sagrada Familia – Barcelona Wow! That is the only reaction I can muster to describe the events of my first month studying abroad in Madrid. When I began my study abroad journey, I was told to have realistic expectations; but I found myself asking, what does realistic mean? Am I going to develop…

By Claire S.

Published Sept. 21, 2023

I spent a month learning Spanish in Oviedo, Spain and it was a life-changing experience. Oviedo is a gorgeous little city that boasts great food, kind people and some amazing sites. I attended classes at the University of Oviedo that helped hone both my Spanish grammar and communication skills. My homestay was also a great…

By Emma V.

Published Sept. 14, 2023

Dear Barcelona, As I sit here, contemplating the bittersweet goodbye that awaits me, I can't help but reflect on the person I have become during my time in your vibrant and enchanting city. Barcelona, you have been the catalyst for my transformation, and I wake up every day loving the version of myself that I…