How Studying Abroad in Barcelona Challenged Me
Authored By:
By: Olivia Tribolet
Adaptation is something I have tackled before: adapting to high school after an awkward middle school phase, adapting to dorm life at Indiana University, and adapting to living with 115 other women in my sorority house. But moving to Barcelona, over 4,000 miles away from home, was a completely new challenge.
As a self-proclaimed homebody, I was initially unsure about studying abroad. The thought of being so far from family, combined with the financial commitment, gave me a pause. Yet, I recognized this was a rare opportunity to experience Europe in my 20s, free from major responsibilities. I decided to embrace the challenge–and I am so glad I did.
Three weeks into my program, I have already grown immensely. It has not been without its struggles: navigating language barriers, getting lost on public transportation, adjusting to new food preferences, and even something as routine as grocery shopping. On my first day of class, I took the bus in the wrong direction, only to realize my mistake at the final stop–when the driver got off for a smoke break. Though it made me late, I now see it as a funny story and learning experience. Grocery shopping has been another unexpected hurdle; reading Spanish labels and using Google Translate to ensure I am buying the right items often turns into over an hour-long task.
Despite these challenges, studying abroad has been incredibly rewarding. I have become more independent and gained a broader perspective on how people live outside the United States. Stepping out of my comfort zone has given me a sense of personal growth that I will carry with me long after this program ends. As I look forward to upcoming trips to Rome, Paris, the Amalfi Coast, and more, I am reminded why this experience is worth every moment of adaptation.
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