My main goals are to engage in countless adventures, become a better Spanish speaker, learn about Spanish culture and history through various experiences and coursework, and begin to understand what it is like to live in a foreign country. I want to understand various aspects of Spanish culture, uncovering historical and contemporary perspectives, and as a result become a more thoughtful, aware, and compassionate person.

Read more: Pre-Departure: What are your goals for your international experience? By Brandon Beyler

In my academic pursuits while abroad I not only want to learn about topics that concern Spain and Europe to strengthen my understanding of geography and related disciplines but also be exposed to the character of higher education in other countries. As a geography major, I would like to further strengthen my ability to solve complex issues through the UPF human and social sciences program, giving me unique and diverse perspectives on new issues and issues I may have already encountered. Through my studies, adventures, and experiences I hope to meet new people, especially like-minded travelers. Not to say that Spain is not enough for me, I would like to also travel elsewhere in Europe and beyond so I can experience a variety of cultures and landscapes. I hope to visit the places that I have always wanted to visit in Spain and Barcelona, like that of the basilica, the skate plazas, the mountains, and the Barcelona beaches. In the end, I aim to expose myself to many things that will force me out of my comfort zone, especially the comfort zone that I have cultivated in the US.

What do you hope to gain and how much research have you done on your host country and culture that will better prepare you for this experience?

I hope to gain travel skills, many memories, Spanish speaking skills, and much more. I would like to leave Spain knowing that I am a stronger traveler, a better Spanish speaker, and knowing that I have made many memories that I will never forget.

I have done a good deal of research about the country and on top of this, I already have a good deal of knowledge about the country from past Spanish coursework and my exploration of Spanish literature like Don Quixote. I also listen to lots of Spanish pop music so I have gained some cultural experience through this and I think it will help me to connect with the people and culture of Barcelona and Spain once I’m there.

My program, API- Academic Programs International, provided me with a handbook with a bunch of information about Spain and Barcelona that I found really helpful. They highlight things like that Spain is generally a safe country and that most incidents that do occur happen late at night with inebriated travelers. They do state however that to protect yourself you must be cautious, aware of your surroundings, and keep your eye on your belongings, among many other tips. Through this, I have also learned things like that socialization usually happens outside the home in Spain, Barcelona has an extensive public transit system, they have an obsession with soccer and I received information about the many events in Barcelona.

I also have done some research online trying to hear from people who have lived and traveled in foreign countries and specifically Spain, through sites like Reddit, I think these are really helpful because you get, for the most part, to the point and relatively accurate information and tips from a verity of people. Some highlights from Reddit are that it is important to keep your valuables in your front pockets as pickpocketing is the most common danger in Barcelona and Spain, to stay extra safe in transportation areas because they attract thieves, and to not make yourself look a target! I think these safety tips will help me become a better traveler so that I can do all the things I want in Spain and still be safe while doing them!

I have also researched skateboarding in Spain in that it is a popular destination for its unique plazas and skateparks that serve as good skate community hangout sports and great skate playgrounds.

I have learned from a website called donquijote things like that physical touch during communication is not an invasion of privacy, Spain’s way of life is generally relaxed, flamenco music is popular, and most people take a nap for a siesta after lunch between 2-4 PM, among other things.

Reddit also gave me some good spots to go to like the Boqueria and various clubs and said not to be alarmed by the fact that people smile less and stare more in Spain and that dinner is late.

What are you most excited about? What are you most scared or nervous about?

I am most excited about exploring Spain and Barcelona and meeting the great people of Spain and those from other universities. Being in a foreign country for a long time, something I have never done, offers me a unique opportunity to truly interact with the environment and culture on a deeper level, creating relationships with people and places and apprehend the many things that form Spain and Barcelona, like that of the Spanish wine drinking and Mediterranean beaches.

I am most scared about using my Spanish because it is not full proof, and I know I will make mistakes when conversating with Spanish speakers. In this, I am also nervous about trying to learn and use the Catalan language of Barcelona and the surrounding region. Lastly, I am worried that I might not know or observe some cultural customs and may disrespect or discomfort people.

What strategies have you implemented that will allow you to overcome these challenges and take full advantage of your opportunities?

As for working past my fear of misusing or coming up short with my Spanish or cultural competency, I think, first of all, I need to understand that there is no need to worry as long as I put in effort and use the many tools that are available to me. Generally, I think being spontaneous will help me become a better Spanish speaker and force me to learn by trying, making mistakes, and making corrections. I also think that approaching, interacting, and communicating with people with the proper greeting, respect, and sincerity can help people be more understanding of any cultural or linguistic mistakes I may make.

For taking advantage of my opportunities, I think that it is important for me to just do things even when I don’t feel like it or am too tired or something because I will never know what the next moment will bring, how exciting. Also, I believe that having good people around helps me find more opportunities and makes the ones I have that much better when I can create memories with others. I think it is important to have a general plan but not be too strict on what I do in terms of activities and adventures; saying that I find being spontaneous and going with the flow tends to make the most of opportunities presented to me at each moment and will help in capitalizing on the study abroad opportunity as a whole. Lastly, both in trying to speak Spanish and the Catalonian language and in doing anything abroad, I have learned to not be afraid to make mistakes or make myself look stupid because I know both will in the end make me grow more whole.

donquijote Spanish culture website: https://www.donquijote.org/spanish-culture/

Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/TravelHacks/comments/u76dha/tips_for_traveling_to_spain/