Embracing Change, Culture, and Confidence Abroad

I took classes in Spanish language, international business and management, and brands and culture while I was a student at the University of Barcelona (UB). I learned something new from every class, yet they all connected to the main idea of what it's like to live and learn in a totally different culture.

Brands and Culture turned out to be my favorite subject; it truly caught my attention. It wasn't only the topic; it was also how I was able to experience it in Barcelona. From strolling past fashionable global boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia to observing how local stores reflected their own cultural identities, the city itself became a part of the course. After discussing in class how culture shapes and influences brands, I would go outside and observe those ideas in action. The lessons learned became more significant as a result of seeing how customer behavior changed between local and foreign enterprises. I now have a greater understanding of the relationship between culture and branding because of the combination of theory and personal experience, which has fundamentally altered my perspective on marketing.

Outside of the classroom, I soon realized that Barcelona's culture was extremely different from the fast-paced way of life I was accustomed to back home. In Barcelona, people place a high importance on relationships, slowing down, and taking lengthy breaks during the day. I initially found it difficult to accept that everything was so laid back. Trains don't always arrive on time, restaurants don't rush you out, and even grocery shopping feels more like an adventure than an efficient task. However, I eventually came to cherish it. It reminded me that life doesn't always have to be lived in a rush and taught me to be patient.

The opportunity to travel almost every weekend was one of the best things about studying in Europe. I was able to visit several amazing locations, like Paris, France; Mykonos, Greece; Dublin on Saint Patrick's Day; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Portugal, to mention a few, because of reasonably priced flights and trains. Every place I visited exposed me to a whole different cuisine, culture, and way of life. I'll never forget viewing the sunset over the water in Mykonos, enjoying Saint Patrick's Day with millions of people in Dublin, or standing beneath the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

When things didn't go as planned, like missing a train or having to figure out instructions in a language I didn't speak, I learned to embrace the uncertainty and find joy in the present. Ultimately, the minor difficulties gained equal significance to the positives. If I had to describe how this experience changed my life, I would say it gave me perspective. It opened my eyes to how big and diverse the world really is, but also how connected we all are despite cultural differences. I learned that I am far more independent and adaptable than I ever gave myself credit for. I learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable, whether that meant ordering food in broken Spanish, navigating the metro system, or traveling solo when plans didn’t work out.

The greatest gift Barcelona gave me was self-assurance, the belief in my ability to step into unfamiliar places and find my way, the courage to meet new people and build friendships across cultures, and the trust in myself to thrive outside of my comfort zone. I came home with more than just academic credits. I returned with stories, memories, and a new mindset about how I want to live my life.

Looking back, I realize those experiences were teaching me just as much as my courses did. Studying abroad taught me that education is so much more than what happens in a classroom. Studying abroad taught me that education is so much more than what happens in a classroom. It’s about the moments of connection, the challenges that force you to grow, and the joy of discovering the world with fresh eyes. Barcelona will always have a piece of my heart, and the lessons I learned there will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Blog by Nora Leach, Worcester State University
Semester in Barcelona - Universitat de Barcelona

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