Hola, ¿cómo estás? I for one am doing very well because I’m here in the beautiful city of Barcelona sitting on the small terrace of my apartment overlooking the excitingly busy street below me. I haven’t even been here for a full week yet, but I’m already falling in love with just about everything this city has to offer.
Before getting here, I downloaded an application on my phone that was counting down the days until I arrived in Barcelona right after I applied for the program. I was incredibly excited and couldn't wait to begin my journey abroad. Of course, I experienced a little bit of apprehension considering I was going so far from home without knowing any of the people I was going to be traveling with, but that’s part of the experience. Now I realize that studying abroad provides the opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone and become more open-minded.
I had known that I wanted to study abroad since I was young and watching my two older sisters take off to study in Florence and Russia just increased the desire even more. Any opportunity to travel is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.
I chose to study in Barcelona because I’m hoping to increase my Spanish speaking skills and, honestly, who wouldn't want to spend six weeks in Barcelona? I’m also interested in learning more about international business and I’ll be able to take an international marketing strategies course while I’m here, which I’m really looking forward to.
Fortunately, my roommate and I chatted on Facebook frequently before leaving and we were very lucky because we happened to be on the same flight. We immediately became good friends. I wasn't as lucky when it came to my luggage, however. At the time that I got to the check-in at the airport, I discovered that my bag was 80-pounds, which is 30-pounds over the limit. I ended up having to unpack half of my suitcase in the middle of the airport while my mom and sister hysterically laughed at me. I actually had people coming up to me and giving me advice on how I could make my bag lighter. Once again, all part of the experience…
Luggage issues aside, nothing could ruin the amount of joy I felt when landing in Barcelona. I was flooded with a sense of optimism, opportunity and positivity. There’s no way to really describe it, but it was amazing. Here, I will be able to make life-long memories and become a more cultured being, and I’m so grateful for that. My roommates are amazing and I’m already having the time of my life. The food is delicious, the people are great, and the city is full of life.
I can’t wait to immerse myself in everything that Barcelona has to offer and I know that this is going to be an unforgettable adventure, which I’m looking forward to sharing with you!
Adiós por ahora!
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Hello! My name is Emily Breen and I’m going to be a senior at UNH Manchester starting the fall semester of 2014. I’m from Salem New Hampshire and I graduated from Salem High School in 2011. I started off my college career as an education major but decided shortly after that I wanted to study business instead with a concentration in marketing. I love spending time with my friends, family, and my dogs of course.
I also love to travel and this is my first time visiting Europe so I’m ecstatic to say the least. I’m studying in Barcelona, Spain through the ASA program. I’m here with an open heart and an open mind and I cannot wait to share my experiences here in Barcelona with all of you!
