Exploring the breathtaking Paseo de Colón in Barcelona

 Since freshman year of college, I’ve been deliberate about my course selection. Of course, one of the most important things to consider is whether each course counts towards degree progress. But another element I always think about is my interest level, and how well I think the courses align with my professional goals. Over the years I’ve realized that these considerations make my learning process and the application of what I learn very rewarding. So when it came time to select my study abroad courses for my semester in Barcelona, I thought I should stick to my winning formula. 

Advanced Spanish 

Putting my Spanish into practice at Els Quatre Gats in Barcelona

A lot of excitement courses—no pun intended—through my veins around every Monday and Wednesday morning. Because that’s when I have my Advanced Spanish course. I’ve found it incredibly meaningful learning Spanish in Spain. So far, we’ve developed our conversational skills, particularly when talking about people’s biographies, and we’ve also covered the simple past and the present perfect tenses. 

I’ve found that one of the benefits that come with this structure is having many opportunities to apply what we learn. Using new words I pick up and being able to better understand when others speak to me in different settings are just some of them. 

It also helps that our professor personalizes our learning in a way that makes this possible. For example, every class she shares with us new phrases and expressions that people often use socially and professionally. She deliberately speaks to us only in Spanish and switches to English when we need to clarify certain terms or expressions. I’ve really enjoyed how the class is taught, and can’t wait to see what else we learn! 

Entrepreneurship: The Art of Creative Business 

After speaking some Español, I head to my entrepreneurship class. When I first saw this course on the list, it caught my eye as I wanted to challenge myself and acquire business knowledge and skills. Today’s innovative world calls for an entrepreneurial mindset, and I wanted to learn how to tap into it, into how to see problems as opportunities rather than obstacles. 

So far, we’ve explored what it means to be an entrepreneur, how businesses are set up, and the different ways they can operate. At the moment, we’re also working in groups to solve real-world problems. I appreciate the practical nature of the course because it allows us to apply what we learn to the projects we are working on. I’m eager to see what my classmates and I come up with! 

Digital Journalism & Communication: Blogging & Storytelling in the 21st Century 

I’ve always loved writing. And over the years, my desire to write with a purpose has grown. It’s why I chose this course. Viewing writing from a journalism lens really appealed to me. 

At this point in the semester, we’ve covered different communication platforms like social media, blogging, and even emerging tools like AR and VR. The course has helped me develop my writing skills and think more deeply about how I engage with people and content online. It has also inspired me to be more present when exploring new places so that I can vividly write about them. 

Visiting the iconic Park Güell

 I also like the sort of ‘writers’ community’ that my classmates and I seem to have going. There’s just this sense that we’re all in this together. We’re all becoming better writers, and becoming better at reflecting on and chronicling our experiences. I’ve already seen us grow as we support one another by sharing ideas and feedback, and I can’t wait to see how much more we accomplish come the end of the semester. 

Spanish Civilization & Culture 

I chose to study in Spain primarily because I wanted to immerse myself in the culture. And I’ve found that doing so involves understanding the historical events that shaped it. That’s why I felt it was important to take Spanish Civilization and Culture. And I am glad I did. 

Just this past month, I’ve learned so much about what makes Spain, Spain. How its history is more complex than I could ever have imagined. How certain past events unite while others polarize. How it is, as my professor once described it, a nation of nations—speaking to the 17 ‘‘autonomous communities’’ that make up Spain. I’m looking forward to journeying through Spain’s past as the course progresses—and to fun field trips too! 

Learning about Salvador Dalí’s ‘‘The Invisible Man’' at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid

Growing Beyond the Classroom 

It’s been almost two months since my experience in Barcelona began, and I’m enjoying every moment, even the challenging ones—practicing Spanish has proven difficult at times. But I’ve found that it’s often in those places of discomfort that some of the most important lessons lie. 

I’ve come to realize that my courses play a huge role in making my experience abroad a meaningful one, and I’m grateful to have kind, patient, and knowledgeable teachers. Their teaching reassures me that when I head back to New York for my final semester of college I’ll be a more well-rounded student. A more well-rounded person. 

Visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona