Program: Study & Intern in Barcelona | Spring 2023

What made you decide to learn abroad, and what led you to pursue the Study & Intern in Barcelona program?

I decided to study abroad because I heard that the Study & Intern in Barcelona program was popular among University of Minnesota students, and I was eager to explore a new culture and gain international experience. Knowing that several of my friends had already signed up for this specific program added to my excitement, as it meant I would have a familiar support system in a foreign country. Additionally, the prospect of reuniting with my hometown friends who were also studying abroad in Barcelona was a big draw, as we could travel to other countries in Europe together. With some prior knowledge of Spanish, I felt comfortable navigating daily life in Barcelona and connecting with locals. Additionally, I have always wanted to live in a coastal city, so getting this opportunity in Barcelona was a big plus. Overall, I was excited about the diverse experiences I could have in Barcelona and the personal growth that would come with it.

Highlight, or favorite memory from your learning abroad experience.

One of the standout memories from my study abroad experience was when my friends and I decided to make the most of our last week in Barcelona by chartering a boat along the coastline. Eight of my new friends and I got a large sailboat to ourselves for the day with a guide to steer the boat and share facts with us about Barcelona. We got to celebrate our time together abroad and a final celebration of the lives we built together in Barcelona. It was a bittersweet moment, but a perfect ending to our study abroad experience together in Barcelona.

What were your classes like?

My classes during my study abroad experience were incredibly engaging and diverse. I had the opportunity to explore a range of subjects that centered around the creative side of marketing. Specifically, the courses I took were the Business of Social Media, Global Marketing, Intro to Photography, and Advertising and Society. One of the aspects I appreciated most about my classes was the emphasis on practical learning. We explored the subjects deeply through case study examples, which allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. These case studies provided invaluable insights into the challenges and strategies of marketing in a global context. Furthermore, group work was a significant component of my classes, which fostered collaboration and cross-cultural learning. Overall, my classes were not only interesting, but also equipped me with practical skills that I could apply to my future career in marketing. The combination of creative coursework and experiential learning through case studies and group presentations made my academic experience during the study abroad program fulfilling.

What advice would you provide other students who are considering learning abroad?

If you are debating studying abroad-do it! This is one of the only times in your life that you can get this experience and travel the world for relatively cheap. It is definitely an experience outside of your comfort zone, but learning abroad builds growth and adaptability that is useful for the rest of your life. Additionally, my tuition for the Study & Intern in Barcelona program was not that much more expensive than my U of M tuition. However, I would advise you to apply for merit scholarships-I got one and the application was relatively brief!. Additionally, I strongly advise you to budget wisely if you go abroad. You will want to travel, try new restaurants, purchase clothes, and doing so does add up. I advise you to study abroad, you will not regret it!!