As I reflect on my short semester studying abroad in Barcelona, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support I received from Pitt Business. This opportunity has been nothing short of transformative in developing my personal, academic, and professional growth.
Recently I was forwarded an intriguing article by the Harvard Business Review that highlighted the long-lasting effect that international experiences had on people. In short, they had come to find that being abroad increased creativity and career success as well as diminished biases. Indeed, my time at the University of Barcelona has validated these findings on multiple levels.
Firstly, the immersion in Spanish and other diverse cultures has broadened my understanding of the world and its varying perspectives. When I first arrived, I could only perceive Europe as vastly different from the United States, but the longer I lived in Barcelona the more I have come to see the many commonalities between people, which seem to transcend borders. This realization has reshaped my worldview, making it easier to acclimatize to future changes.
One of the most useful skills that I honed in this semester has been adaptability in the face of a new environment. The ability to thrive under high-stress situations, like communicating in a second or third language, has been sharpened by repetition. Though some days I found myself lost, this experience has empowered me to embrace personal growth and has served to reinforce the importance of goal-setting. Knowing that I had achieved my goal of studying abroad which I’d had for nearly six years has given me confidence that I can turn my aspirations into reality with grit.
A part of Barcelona’s charm lies not just in its aesthetic beauty but also in its practical aspects. The city’s walkability, vast network of public transportation, and hopping nightlife have become criteria for my ideal city. These elements have significantly contributed to my overall enjoyment and have influenced my considerations for future city choices.
Furthermore, being far away from my familiar circle pushed me to create new connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Though I moved out of state for college, this experience has also increased my level of independence as well as my sense of responsibility. Through many shared meals, I was even able to explore some cooking skills that I had previously taken for granted.
The exposure to multiple languages (mainly Spanish and Catalan) has further fueled my desire to achieve a professional working fluency in multiple languages. My growth as a language learner has been aided greatly by the immersion I received in my courses and just by living in Spain. Gaining a strong ability to communicate in English and Spanish holds immense advantages for my future career prospects, as it sets me apart from many other candidates.
Looking ahead, I aim to incorporate these takeaways into my last three semesters at Pitt Business and beyond. I plan to use my newfound skills in adaptability and resilience to excel academically and embrace a global perspective in my coursework. Also, I am eager to return to my Hispanic language and culture courses with my increased language skills, which I believe will be instrumental in joining the increasingly interconnected world.
In closing, this study abroad experience has caused me to make great strides in my personal, academic, and professional development. It has ingrained in me a pursuit for continuous growth and deeper appreciation for diversity, all of which could not have been possible without the support of my family and the University of Pittsburgh.