2 Pieces of Advice for Studying Abroad

By: Claire Jacobson

When people say studying abroad is the best part of college you have to believe them. As an engineering major, it always seemed like a little bit of a reach given that I had so many required courses, but I would not give up this experience for anything. I have met so many amazing people and have learned so much about the world and about myself.

If I were to give people two pieces of advice from study abroad it would be

1. Do not to be afraid to do it alone
2. Remember the value of getting to know a new city (as much as it is amazing to be able to travel to so many places so easily). 

I came to study abroad without knowing anyone on the program and am leaving Barcelona with so many friends from all over the country and even the world! Although it is intimidating going to events on your own there are so many people feeling the same way. You will never regret the events you go to on your own but you will regret staying in and missing out on these opportunities.

Although being abroad gives you so many opportunities to travel, it is so fun getting to know a new city well and meet the people who call it home. I am so glad I came to Barcelona to study abroad for a countless number of reasons. It has such a lively culture with so much amazing food, art, music, shopping, the list goes on. I could eat out for every meal and still not try every place that people recommend. There are countless ways to spend your time from Salsa classes, to going to the beach, to joining run clubs, to Tapas-hopping your way around the city. I am so grateful to have a city I will be so sad to leave that I had never stepped foot in until three months ago!

EXPLORE BARCELONA