Becoming fluent is a long process that takes effort and time. I still find myself putting in the work to memorize different grammar structures, vocabulary words and expression.. I definitely am not yet at the level of a native speaker, but I am glad that I have stuck to learning the language. Spanish classes have opened my eyes and mind to different cultures all around the world that I otherwise may never have encountered.
I am studying abroad in Barcelona right now because I wanted to experience full cultural and linguistic immersion in a Spanish-speaking country. While I would have been thrilled to be in any Spanish-speaking city in the world, Barcelona worked out for me because the university to which I am linked while I am here (the University of Pompeu Fabra) allows me to fulfill some college course requirements. Barcelona also happens to be the city with which I fell in love while doing a project about its architecture in junior year of high school. Don't be afraid to dream big for years! I dreamt of studying abroad in Barcelona during the pandemic years ago, and now I am sitting at a desk in Barcelona typing this for all of you!
Spain is definitely different from the U.S. in many ways, and I think I am learning a lot about myself and other cultures as I encounter Spaniards as well as also people from all over the world. Here in Barcelona, citizens also speak another language called Catalan, so I have been trying to learn it alongside Spanish to adapt culturally. While not everything about study abroad is sunshine and rainbows, I am very grateful to be here in Spain. Study abroad has been a very different and enriching chapter of my life, and I can't wait to share my experiences with all of you week by week!
