Finding Independence: My Study Abroad Journey in Barcelona

My name is Jonathon Biter, and I am a finance major at Michigan State University. Over the past six weeks, I’ve been studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, through CIS Abroad. Living on my own in a foreign country, juggling classes, and navigating daily life has seriously boosted my independence and self-sufficiency. Participating in the Global Agility micro-credential has enhanced my time abroad by giving me weekly opportunities to reflect on my experience to learn and appreciate being surrounded by a new culture. This helped shape my perspectives and passions, from interacting with rich culture to enjoying the city's unparalleled design. Here’s a peek into my journey.

The Big Arrival 

When I first landed in Barcelona, I was equal parts excited and nervous. The vibe I got right off the bat felt exciting and new, but in the back of my head, I kept thinking of how I might struggle studying abroad with new people that I didn't know. And on top of that, living in a space by myself where I had to step up more than ever before in terms of responsibility, was pretty intimidating. But even still, I was so excited to begin the journey and see how much I could grow over the next few weeks. 

Language Barriers 

In the first couple days, getting even a small pastry in a place where I didn’t fully understand the language was pretty nerve-wracking. I remember first walking in to a cafe on the corner of our metro station, and trying to communicate what I wanted with my rusty Spanish. I remember feeling mortified and resorted to using “Spanglish” and pointing around so the woman working at the cafe could understand what I was trying to ask for. 

This was the first of many exercises of patience and adaptability, but the friendly barista helped me through it. After repeatedly coming back to the cafe and trying my Spanish again for weeks, I could order anything I wanted from the menu in Spanish. Looking back, it’s funny how something so small, like ordering coffee, can feel so embarrassing! But in the end, it’s harder to learn something without trying. 

Cooking Adventures 

One of my first big challenges upon arriving in Barcelona was learning to cook for myself. Back home, I was always able to rely on my family, or at school the dining halls, for decent meals with no effort. Since I would be here for so long and I would have a tight class schedule, I needed to learn how to cook for myself and meal prep! In this space, my tiny apartment kitchen became a new classroom where I was to learn a whole new set of skills I didn’t anticipate learning. With some basic recipes from my parents in mind, I started experimenting with food. 

Trips to the local Mercadona market quickly became a routine. Navigating a grocery store with so many things in mind and all being in a different language, it was overwhelming at first to even find the meat section. However, after a few trips, I became very familiar with my Spanish version of Kroger. Each meal I cooked, no matter how simple, was a victory. It felt great to prepare my own food and try out using new ingredients and actually enjoy it. I believe this helped inspire me to get out of my comfort zone with food in other ways as well, such as restaurants, where I found that I love calamari and mussels. 

Weekend Adventures and Lasting Memories 

Of course, my study abroad experience could not be complete without visiting the local areas! From the beautiful beaches in Blanes to the rich history of L’Escala, every excursion I took with CIS Abroad added to my love for Catalonia. Exploring new worlds through food I never thought I would try, and gaining a new sense of independence in a foreign country, has taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of. 

While my time in Barcelona comes to a close, I realize how much I’ve learned from being abroad. As I pack my bags and prepare to see my family again, I know that now there will always be a piece of me and my story here in Barcelona. The memories and experiences I’ve had here with all the amazing people I’ve met will stay with us long after we leave. Thanks for the incredible journey, Barcelona- I can’t wait to come back someday and continue the adventure.