17³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß

Studying in Barcelona (March 2026) has been the experience of a lifetime! The city has something to offer everyone, from mountains and beaches to rich history and wonderful people. My Spanish has improved enormously since arriving, and making local friends has been the highlight of my exchange so far. The Spanish classes at UPF have been fantastic, with amazing teachers and students from all around the world. The university also organizes many trips to nearby places of interest, such as the medieval town of Girona and the beautiful mountain of Montserrat — perfect for hiking! Catalonia also has such a rich history and culture, which you can best experience through its food. Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) has become my staple breakfast over the last few months. I am so grateful to have spent six months in Barcelona, experiencing everything there is to do and learn here. I honestly couldn't have picked a better place to study abroad! When I return to 17³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß , I'm excited to continue and complete my Spanish language minor and use it to keep travelling and studying in the Spanish-speaking world.

I participated in the Salamanca study abroad program during the winter of 2020, marking my inaugural journey to Europe. It proved to be an enlightening experience for me. The Spanish program spanned 10 weeks and I immersed myself completely in a Spanish-learning environment. The school provided not only regular classes but also organized several activities such as day trips, cooking classes, and flamenco sessions. Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with other friends who were also enthusiastic about learning Spanish.

My experience in Salamanca helped me to develop academically and personally in ways that I’m forever grateful. I was able to meet lifelong friends, gain a truly deep understanding of Spanish culture, and able to benefit from professors who welcomed me into the community and classroom with open arms. I would highly recommend this program and believe that it was a foundational aspect of my increased confidence when coming back to 17³Ô¹ÏÍøÔÚÏß to complete the remainder of my degree.

The Salamanca exchange program provided an immersive Spanish language and cultural experience. Living with a welcoming host family allowed for daily language practice and participation in local traditions. Courses at the Universidad de Salamanca deepened my understanding of Spanish art and Islamic architectural influences, which I explored firsthand while travelling across Spain. Program-led excursions further enriched my learning, connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences. This semester abroad shaped my academic path, influencing my BA thesis and MA studies, and equipped me with valuable skills for my career in international development.