Architecture Student Abroad

By: Valeria Cedeno

Studying architecture abroad is something I'll never forget, and it shaped me in ways I never expected. As an architecture student, I had this amazing opportunity to live and learn in Barcelona, a city famous for its stunning architecture. It wasn’t just about what I learned in the classroom – the whole experience changed the way I look at the world, at design, and at my role as an architecture student.

Barcelona itself was like one huge, open-air classroom. Walking around the city, I got to experience some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Antoni Gaudí's works, like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, made me think differently about what architecture could be. The way Gaudí blended natural forms with incredible detail inspired me to push my own creative limits. But it wasn’t just Gaudí. The Gothic Quarter, with its narrow, medieval streets, alongside modern landmarks like Torre Glòries, showed me how history and innovation can coexist in one place. Seeing these different styles side by side taught me how crucial it is to respect a place’s history and culture while still embracing new, creative ideas.

Another thing that struck me in Barcelona was how much thought went into making the city sustainable and connected to nature. Green roofs, energy-efficient buildings, and streets designed for walking weren’t just ideas in a textbook – they were all around me. It changed the way I thought about my own designs, making me more aware of the need to integrate sustainability into everything we create. Also, getting to work with architecture students from different universities was incredible. Hearing their perspectives and collaborating in group projects broadened my perspective on tackling design challenges, and I gained valuable insights from those exchanges.

Living abroad wasn't always easy, but those challenges were part of what made it so rewarding. Figuring out how to get around a new city, learning to appreciate local customs and traditions, and adjusting to a different way of life all pushed me outside of my comfort zone. But in the end, those experiences made me more adaptable and more resilient, and they gave me a real appreciation for the richness that comes from different cultures and ways of living.

Studying architecture in Barcelona was a truly transformative experience. It didn’t just make me a better designer; it made me see the world in a different light. I came back with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a genuine excitement for creating spaces that honor both tradition and innovation. It’s an experience that will always be a part of who I am, both as an architect and as a person.

EXPLORE BARCELONA