Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

When I arrived in Barcelona, Spain in August I had no expectations of what to expect during my semester abroad and have continued to be amazed every day that I am here. Being so close to the Balearic Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains create a beautiful scene I get to see every day, the people of Catalunya have been incredibly warm and welcoming, and the city of Barcelona itself has quickly become like another home. Being able to study abroad in Barcelona at LCI Barcelona and living in a homestay has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture and have experiences I didn’t think I would ever have just a year ago.

I’ve been able to take courses about Spanish Cuisine, Communication for Development, the Past and Present of Spain, and an accelerated Intermediate 2/Advance Spanish class. The combination of classes has immersed me in Spanish cultures from different regions, learn about history that we don’t traditionally learn about in the US, and expand my Spanish. I was also lucky enough to live in a homestay with a local which has given me a close relationship with my host mom and two roommates.

The location of Barcelona was a large drawing point for me, the proximity to the beach reminded me of home and Lake Forest and the general location of the city has made travel so easy. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Montserrat, the Basque Country, Madrid, and Andalucía within Spain and Andorra la Vella and the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France. Each city has had different beautiful scenery that is unique in its own way and offers such unique culture and history. Additionally, I’ve been lucky enough to be visited by many friends and family and show them the city that has quickly become like home to me. This experience has all been made possible for me by my family, the College, and the Suzanne T. Hotchkiss Foreign Travel grant and I am forever grateful for those who have made this experience possible for me.

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