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My bags, stuffed to the brim, had been dragged from the car, to the basement, and finally, to my room. I thumbed the code and popped open the zipper. The thought of taking one clothing item from one place to another after traveling for 12 hours seemed daunting, so I laid down in bed to sleep. I sunk deep into the mattress, and finally closed my eyes. But sleep wouldn’t come. I tossed and turned and eventually my dog came to sleep on my bed, but despite how exhausted I was, I couldn’t sleep. How was it that after a full day of travel complete with a 6 hour time change I couldn’t let my body rest?
My name is Madelyn Blanchette and I’m a communication major at University of Massachusetts in Amherst. In the fall of 2025, I studied in Barcelona, Spain and it exceeded my expectations. I know everyone says they always have an amazing time studying abroad, but I truly did have an amazing time. I had expected to be busy and social every weekend, but secretly crying in my room at the end of the night out of loneliness, missing all that I had left back home. While I did think about all I had left at home, the people in my group were friendly and open, and more often than not, I found myself falling asleep with a smile on my face.
I stepped out of my comfort zone and went out exploring the city on my own. To anyone exploring the option of studying abroad, even the introverts who need a little personal time after a social event, I strongly recommend studying abroad. You never know the experience you’re going to have until you get there. Even then, everyone you are traveling with has at least one common interest: traveling. That was something I came to learn during my time abroad and that helped me to not let my nerves get the better of me.
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When I arrived back home after my program ended, the first things I noticed were the small differences in my routine. I fell back into living at home easily, but the fridge was a different height, I had kitchen gadgets I’ve used once every few years, and I had more clothes than I remembered having. I even felt changes within myself too, like the fact that I had learned to live with what I had and gained independence through providing for myself. It was easier to hold conversations and make small talk, because I was almost excited to be speaking in a language fluently again. It was hard as well, though; my mind felt the weight of all of my memories of travel. Finally sitting down and resting was hard. Despite having a lot of free time, I had gotten used to having trips and cafes to look forward to. In my anticipation, it had gone by so quickly.
What I struggled with being in Barcelona was that even though I had a whole city at my disposal and a need to “get it all done” I found it hard to push myself to interact with the local history and people. Oftentimes I find myself wishing I had more motivation to go out and socialize, and meet someone new, but my micro-credential really helped.
By having something to put on my resume and show future employers, I was motivated to help my future self. It also helped to have something to work towards and I almost treated it like a personal project. In a way, it was. I’m thankful that I got to document my experience abroad and also learn about more aspects of Barcelona I wouldn’t have learned had I just been on my own. Even though there were a few things I regret not doing, I know I learned a lot through this program. After all, it’s impossible to do everything, feel everything, and be everything.
Blog by Madelyn Blanchette, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Semester in Barcelona
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