Before I packed my bags for Barcleona, my world was small, familiar and comfortably predictable. I spent my days in my hometown of Roseville, California, surrounded by friends and family, and my idea of “adventure” included trying new coffee shops or taking a different route to work in the morning. I had everything I needed, but I dreamed of something bigger; I desired to see the world.
In the fall of 2023, I dove headfirst into my first semester of college by deciding to study abroad in Barcelona. Shortly after I arrived in Spain, I met the harsh realities of moving to a foreign country.
A wave of culture shock forced me to change my familiar routines to align with the Spanish lifestyle. Adjusting to afternoon siestas and late meal times, limited access to ice water and air conditioning, and new social norms such as greeting people with a kiss on the cheek made me realize how much I took the small comforts I’d grown up with for granted.
Between adjusting to a new way of life, meeting the demands of college-level coursework and being away from my family for the first time, making it through the next three months seemed impossible. Faced with the daunting task of rediscovering a sense of home in a world that was anything but familiar, I was scared and overwhelmed. Still, I was determined to push through the discomfort and uncover the opportunities for growth this experience had to offer.
While the situation improved over time, I won’t lie, it wasn’t easy. In fact, it was one of the most emotionally challenging periods of my life. I never fully adjusted and spent many of my days desperately missing the people, places and things I loved most about home.
Despite the hardships I experienced, I attribute my positive memories of Barcelona to the relationships I made along the way. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to look beyond my own apartment to find them.
What started as a random accommodation pairing turned into six of the most important female friendships of my life. My roommates turned out to be the type of people who could engage in meaningful conversations one minute and dance on tables the next.
On the nights I found myself crying into my pillow, overwhelmed by homesickness, I always knew I’d find them in the kitchen with a pack of Coronas, blasting ’90s Bay Area rap, ready to help lift my spirits. They brought a sense of home to Barcelona and were always there for me in times of need.
Outside of my roommates, I had the opportunity to connect with more than 100 Northern California students, each with a unique story. Our only common thread was our desire to see the world. What struck me the most about them was their unwavering authenticity as they embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and confidence.
Whether we were exploring new neighborhoods, grabbing drinks after class or simply enjoying each other’s company, their energy always uplifted me and inspired me to become a better person, friend and student.
I had finally discovered the community of like-minded individuals I had always craved, yet struggled to find in high school. The once-in-a-lifetime sense of camaraderie that exists within a study abroad cohort is irreplaceable and a key ingredient for student success in a foreign country.
My experience last fall healed me in ways I never could have imagined. Not only did it give me some of my lifelong best friends, but it helped me make the difficult transition from high school to young adulthood, while forcing me to confront difficult questions about who I am and who I want to be. I walked away from the experience feeling inspired, transformed — and eager to do it all again.
Two months ago, I moved to London for my second semester abroad, and from the first moment I stepped foot on U.K. soil, I have never felt more at home.
Combining the best aspects of American and European cities, London has it all. With a large theater community, diverse restaurant culture and lively pub scene, there is always something to do on any given night. I feel like I am finally getting a version of the “college experience” I thought would pass me by when I decided to attend community college.
One of our first nights out in Soho, my roommates and I befriended a group of British boys with whom we have since become close friends. They have introduced us to London through a local perspective, by showing us the city’s best jazz bars, giving us a tour of their suburban hometown and even taking us to a rave in an abandoned IKEA store. Our friendship has provided me with the opportunity to experience British culture firsthand and has been an integral part of my experience in London.
As much as I love being in the city, having the ability to travel freely in between class days has opened up the world to me: I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, watched the sunrise from a club on an island off the coast of Spain, swam in the Mediterranean Sea and walked in the footsteps of history through Rome.
After two programs, 10 countries and 21 cities, I’d argue that the most important journey studying abroad has taken me on is a personal one. Not only have I seen the world, but I’ve learned how to live with roommates, how important it is to call my mom and just how undervalued a home-cooked meal can be. I’ve learned how to prioritize my own wellbeing during chaotic times and how to be a better friend to myself and others.
It’s an experience no personal testimony can prepare you for, because it is just that — personal. You never really know what waits on the other side of the pond, until you take the leap to find out for yourself.
