As I reflect back on the past four months abroad, it is hard to believe that my time in Barcelona is coming to an end. It was just yesterday that I was stressing out about trying to fit everything in two suitcases, and now—three months later I’m already having to think about having to pack to go home! Before coming abroad, I was excited, however, my nerves overpowered that excitement so it was hard to look forward to it. Now, the thought of leaving this new home of mine nearly makes me want to cry! Abroad has been an unreal experience, and it is something that I will always be so grateful that I got to do. Since being in Spain, I have learned so much and after going abroad I can safely say I’ve mastered a few things:
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| The Arc! |
Travelling
After my three months abroad I can safely say that navigating an airport is now a mindless activity for me. The days are gone where I depend on my parents to book my flights, check in for me, shuffle me through security, get me to my gate, and handle all the adversity that comes with delays, cancellations etc.
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| Glass Castle in Madrid! |
Directions
Back home, not only is wifi a luxury, but so is speaking English! Being abroad, my friends and I did not only have times where our google maps weren’t working, but we’ve also definitely faced a language barrier. With these small bumps, we’ve now become completely aware of our surroundings, so when we find ourselves without directions—we have sometimes been able to look at where we are, gain our bearings, and move forward with logic!
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| Wandering around Park Guell |
Budgeting
Living abroad is definitely a time to learn to budget. Due to all of the traveling, sight-seeing, food discovery, and day to day activities—it has definitely been important to keep myself in check and set limits for myself.
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| Walking around Barcelona |
Independence
Prior to coming abroad, I was used to constantly being with people and depending on a group at all times. Although I do have my friends and roommates abroad, I have definitely learned to be able to be by myself and be responsible for myself. Because I am in a foreign country, it has been important to be mindful of my safety and well-being at all times.
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| Scootering around Barcelona Beach! |
Elizabeth C. is the Fall 2016 CEA MOJO in Barcelona, Spain. She is currently a junior studying American Studies and Marketing at Miami University.
