Studying abroad in Barcelona last fall was a transformative experience 

Since it was the first time I traveled to Europe, it was an exciting yet intimidating opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, language, and way of life so far away from my family and home. As an Asian American, my journey was shaped not just by the adventures and discoveries, but also by the ways my identity impacted how I was seen and how I adapted to the local culture. In my blog post, I’ll share my experience as an Asian American student abroad. I will focus on my identity in a foreign city, my adaptation to Barcelona’s lifestyle, and the challenges I faced as I navigated this new chapter in my life. 

New Favorite Cuisine 

Cultural Differences and Identity Awareness in Barcelona 

As an Asian American, I have always lived in a culturally diverse environment in the United States, specifically San Francisco, where I was surrounded by a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds. San Francisco is a very accepting and diverse city, so that is my normal. However, in Barcelona, I noticed that there weren’t many Asian Americans, and I was often one of the few people of Asian descent in social settings. Although I was in a big, multicultural city, it was clear that, besides the tourists, people who looked like me were not as commonly seen in everyday life. Sometimes this made me feel like an outsider, but it also gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own identity in new ways. 

One thing that really stood out was how I was treated in different social situations. In some instances, I could tell that my appearance made me stand out, which was an interesting feeling. On the positive side, many people were curious about my background, and some even asked questions about my ethnicity and where I was from. This was a reminder that while cultural diversity exists, people’s awareness of it can vary significantly depending on the place they live. Also, people from different cultures treat others in different ways, which I took into account when I was traveling. At times, I felt like I was representing a different culture to others, which was both a challenge and a privilege. 

Ready to Rumba 

A Bridge Between Cultures 

One of the ways I worked to integrate into the new community was by practicing my Spanish. I had studied Spanish for most of my life, but using it in daily life abroad was a whole different experience. At first, I was hesitant, worried about making mistakes and not being able to communicate effectively. I am used to taking classes in Spanish, but actively using the language is always hard. But as I pushed myself to speak Spanish with locals, I realized that the language was a bridge between my Asian American identity and the Spanish culture around me. 

At times, when people realized I was an American, they assumed I wouldn’t speak Spanish, but they were often impressed when I could hold a conversation. This gave me a sense of pride and helped me feel more connected to the culture around me. However, there were also moments when I faced challenges in understanding local dialects or regional expressions, which reminded me that adapting to a new culture takes time and patience. For example, the Catalan language is very different from Spanish, and a lot of locals spoke that, so there was definitely a language barrier there. 

First Time at La Sagrada 

CEA CAPA Support and Adapting to a New Culture 

Having CEA CAPA as my support system during this experience made a huge difference. From the moment I arrived in Barcelona, they offered various resources to help me adjust, including orientation sessions and cultural activities. For example, I was able to participate in activities like a Catalan Rumba class as well as a Tapas workshop. CEA CAPA's staff were not only helpful in navigating academic life but also in understanding the local customs and culture. This support made me feel more at ease as I started adjusting to living abroad. 

Cultural adjustment was not always easy, though. I had to adapt to different social norms, like the way people interacted in public spaces or the daily schedule in Spain, where meals are later and social life is more relaxed. At first, I felt a bit out of place in certain social settings, but with time, CEA CAPA’s help, and by just spending more time in the city, I learned how to navigate these new experiences and find my own balance. In the end, I really enjoyed this cultural difference, and even now I miss it. 

Identity Challenges 

As an Asian American in Barcelona, there were challenges related to my identity that I hadn’t expected. Although the Spanish people were generally kind and curious, I sometimes faced subtle moments of discrimination or stereotyping. I do not remember a specific instance of this, but there were definitely some questions and conversations that were a little insensitive. I know that most of these instances were born out of curiosity, but it still reminded me that my appearance and background made me stand out in ways I wasn’t used to. 

However, these moments were also opportunities for growth. They helped me confront my own feelings about my identity and how I see myself in the world. I have never thought that much about my Asian American identity, as I do not really identify with either my dad’s Asian side or my mom’s white side more strongly than the other. I have always just been a mix of both, but these experiences really opened my eyes to how my identity might be more apparent to outsiders than it even is to myself. 

Family Time! 

Advice for Other Asian American Students Studying Abroad 

To any Asian American students considering studying abroad, my advice would be to embrace your identity, but also be open to the new experiences and perspectives that studying abroad offers. You might come across moments that challenge your sense of self, but these moments also provide opportunities for growth. I would advise you to open up to the discomfort, because in those moments you’ll learn the most about yourself and others. 

Also, don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you, like language programs, cultural activities, and the support of staff members like those at CEA CAPA. These resources can be very valuable in helping you adjust and feel more at home in a foreign country. 

Girls in Barcelona 

Conclusion 

Looking back at my time in Barcelona, I can say that the experience was transformative. Even though navigating my identity as an Asian American in a European city brought challenges, it also gave me a deeper appreciation for my background and a stronger sense of self. The lessons I learned about personal growth and identity will stay with me long after my time abroad. My journey in Barcelona wasn’t just about studying or traveling—it was about discovering how I could blend my Asian American identity with the culture around me.