Hello, my name is Katie Hall, and I’m a Psychology and Sociology double major at UC Santa Cruz. In Fall 2023, during my third year, I studied abroad with UCEAP at the University of Barcelona. I always knew I wanted to study abroad in college, but as a high financial-need student, I worried my dream wouldn’t be possible. So, I applied for the Gilman Scholarship and was lucky enough to receive their funding. With a combination of financial aid and the scholarship, I got to experience what would become the best four months of my life.
Growing up in Berkeley and Oakland and then attending school in Santa Cruz, I felt like I’d been living in a bubble, and Barcelona burst that bubble wide open. When I first arrived, I was very overwhelmed. I was alone, hadn’t met any other students yet, and couldn’t move into my apartment for a couple of days. The bustling city, the unfamiliar public transportation, and my basic Spanish skills all made me feel out of place, alone, and scared.
Fortunately, I soon moved into an apartment with other UCEAP students, and we dove right into exploring the city together. It was so exciting! The world felt so big. Through my classes and field trips, I learned so much about the history of Spain and Barcelona, all through the lens of art, politics, and architecture. Gaudi’s work – La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló – was unique and breathtaking. The Gothic Quarter, with the Barcelona Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Mar, and the remains of Roman City walls, was one of my favorite places in the city. Walking through the narrow streets felt like stepping back in time. The area was full of gargoyles and courtyards and arches. Art was also everywhere, with museums, street performers, local artists, and many cafes, tapas, bars, and restaurants. It was lively, energetic, and historical. The Gothic Quarter is where I fell in love with Barcelona.
That is not to say transitioning to life in Barcelona was easy. Having learned primarily Mexican Spanish in high school and college, I struggled to shift to Castilian Spanish and Catalan. However, the two-week intensive language course at the beginning of the program was incredibly helpful. It gave me the foundation to adapt and keep learning throughout the next four months. Though I never became fluent, I improved amazingly in understanding street signs, ordering food, and having short conversations at grocery stores.
Besides adapting to a different language, the difference in lifestyle was very surprising. Coming from California’s fast pace and a culture that is obsessed with productivity, Barcelona’s relaxed vibe was very refreshing. They prioritize social connections and spend hours sitting outside just talking and laughing with friends and family. It’s a lifestyle that I felt very drawn to and peaceful in.
Not only did I explore Barcelona, but because of the funding from financial aid and the scholarship, I could squeeze in weekend trips to Rome, Prague, Munich, Interlaken, and Amsterdam. Exploring each city with different cultural norms and architectural history taught me so much and was incredibly fun. In Rome, I got to see historical structures like the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. I also learned to make authentic Italian pasta. Seeing the Old Town Square in Prague was magical. I met so many new and interesting people in the hostel I stayed at in Munich and had a blast at the hostel’s karaoke night with them. Interlaken’s stunning landscape blew me away and made me feel so small in the best way possible. The canals, markets, and museums in Amsterdam absolutely charmed me. These trips weren’t just fun but also eye-opening experiences that showed me diverse cultures, histories, and lifestyles across Europe. Each city and the people I met left their mark on me, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my desire to explore the world even more.
Studying abroad taught me so much about myself. I learned that I’m capable of adapting to new cultures and unfamiliar situations. It taught me to be independent, to explore safely, and to embrace new experiences. It also ignited a deep yearning to explore more of the world and to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I’m very grateful for the financial support that made it possible for me to have these experiences, gain so much knowledge about history, and give me memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Because of this, I know that travel is something I need in the future. The world is so much bigger and more beautiful than we can imagine, and exploring it is both humbling and inspiring.