!Hola mis amigos! All is going extremely well here in Barcelona!
Classes have been great and I can already tell that my Spanish has been improving considering my entire class is taught solely in Spanish. I’ve been trying to use the language as much as possible while out and about in the city.
Studying international marketing outside of my country has been very rewarding and interesting. I’m learning about international businesses I had never even heard of before and I’m becoming more familiar with business in Barcelona as well. The teachers are incredibly helpful and are supportive of the study abroad experience as they encourage us to travel throughout Europe and explore Barcelona.
The ASA (Academic Studies Abroad) students I’m here with are very fun to travel with. There are only 12 of us in the group so it’s been easy getting to know one another and we all quickly became friends. The second week into the study abroad experience, we ventured to the beautiful mountain of Montserrat. After a somewhat strenuous hike on a 90-degree day, the concern of how sweaty and tired I was feeling completely melted away when I was presented with a spectacularly breathtaking view of Catalonia. We were able to take some unreal pictures at the top of the mountain and I felt incredibly grateful to witness such a beautiful sight. This was an experience that I will never forget.
Everyday on my way to catch the metro for class I’m lucky enough to pass by the remarkable Sagrada Família church designed by Guadí himself. This church has been under construction since 1882 and is one of the most universal signs of identity to the city of Barcelona. About a week ago, I was able to tour the inside of the Sagrada and it was absolutely stunning. The architecture of the church was unlike anything I have ever seen and it was both a serene and educational experience. It was crazy to be able to witness such a historical and influential piece of architecture firsthand and I already plan on returning to Barcelona to see the final product once it’s completed.
Most recently, we ventured to the beautiful, beautiful location of Sitges. Here, we got to take a look at some amazing modernist homes and also got to take a tour inside of an old modernist mansion. Later that day we lounged out on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been too. It was the kind of beach with crystal clear water and amazingly soft sand. A few of the girls from my group and I found a restaurant along the water for dinner and had some delicious seafood paella, a Spanish delicacy that I have grown VERY fond of. I don’t think the day could have been any more perfect…besides getting slightly sun-burnt after snoozing in the sun for too long.
This coming weekend we are going on an overnight excursion to the Costa Brava where we will be able to spend time on the beach, kayak, snorkel, and explore some significant museums. The following weekend me and a couple of friends have planned a trip to Ibiza, an island off the coast of Valencia in eastern Spain. I’m really looking forward to all of these adventures to come!
This study abroad experience is flying by way too quickly but I’m taking advantage of every single day because, so far, this has truly been the trip of a lifetime. I journey back home in just three short weeks where I’ll write again and conclude this incredible experience.
!Adíos por ahora!
Read Emily's first blog article
Emily Begins her Barcelona Adventure
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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!
