Hola a todos,
My name is Adeline Jay, a Pitt junior currently studying at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) in Spain this semester. At Pitt, I major in Business Information Systems, and minor in Hispanic Language and Culture. As expected, I had my heart set on attending a university in a Spanish-speaking country to fully immerse myself in the Spanish language and gain a working professional fluency. I carefully chose to pursue a Pitt-recognized program through International Studies Abroad (ISA) due to their diverse selection of universities worldwide to choose from around the world and program-led excursions (I am highly anticipating our trip to Fez, Morocco this October).
My program, ISA International Business, and Hispanic Studies, has allowed me to take four classes at UB that can be transferred to both my gen-ed requirements and minor. I have been fortunate that my selection of courses ended up with classes only twice a week; Tuesdays and Thursdays. So far, International Marketing, International Operations Management, Understanding Spain through History & Art, and Arte en España have been both enriching and manageable, thanks to my preparation in the Hispanic Language and Culture minor.
On my days off I have ventured through the breathtaking city of Barcelona using my metro pass, which I cannot recommend enough. Additionally, I have traveled to the southern coast to Sitges, and took a one-night trip to the small country between Spain and France; Andorra. However; nothing holds a candle to watching an FC Barcelona game in the historic 1992 Summer Olympics Stadium. Naturally, Barcelona won 5-0.
When I am not cheering for my favorite team (¡visca barça!), or attending classes I am spending time with my five roommates at our apartment in the L’Eixample neighborhood. Known for its gorgeous architecture, high-end shopping, and proximity to the Plaça de Catalunya, L’Eixample is conveniently located near the UB campus and is bustling at all hours with residents and visitors alike. Adapting to Spanish living has had its ups and downs, some key differences include an overall smaller living space, a lack of centralized air conditioning, and a late dinner schedule. Typically, Spaniards eat dinner from 9 p.m. to midnight. Fortunately, a late dinner translates into a leisurely breakfast , allowing me to kickstart my mornings with exploration as none of my classes start until noon.
As October approaches and the sweltering summer temperatures start to dip, I eagerly anticipate furthering my global education and delving deeper into Spanish culture.
Adeline Jay
