Living in Barcelona as an exchange student has been an enriching experience which has allowed me to deeply explore Catalan traditions, history, political landscape, local community, and the city’s unique charm. I really feel that I have connected a lot with this city and am blessed to call this place my home for the next few months. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in the future, I decide to move to Barcelona–or any other city in Spain–once my career is established. Overall, everything has been great, but there have been several aspects where I have had to adjust.
Barcelona has the highest pickpocket rate in Europe, particularly in Las Ramblas, where I live. As the city’s most popular street, Las Ramblas attracts many tourists, making it a target for pickpockets. Because of this, I’ve had to take several measures to avoid being pickpocketed. For example, no using of headphones while walking, have my hands on my pockets at all times, and be aware of my surroundings such as making eye contact with people next to me or behind me. While in Pittsburgh, I usually have my headphones on while walking to classes, leave my computer and backpack unattended at Hillman Library, and not being aware of my surroundings. It has definitely been a challenge for me, but thankfully, I’ve handled it very well. The best part? I haven’t been pickpocketed–at least not yet!
Another challenge I have been facing is that I’ve been missing my routine at Pittsburgh. Sometimes, I miss my daily breakfast with my roommate, hanging out at my friends’ place in South Oakland, working out at the Pete, organizing activities with the Puerto Rican Student Association club E-Board (I was the treasurer last semester), and attending chapter and social events with my business fraternity, AKPsi. I try to not think about it much, but seeing pictures on social media of my friends having fun and reading messages in group chats making plans in Pittsburgh doesn’t make it any easier. Studying abroad has helped me appreciate the small things I once took for granted. The way I’m handling this is by reminding myself that I’m in a great environment, appreciate what I have now, letting go of the past, jogging through the city, and watch the sunset at the beach.
Lastly, classes here are much longer than lectures at Pitt. I have eight lectures per week, two per day, and each one is 2 hours long. This has been a challenge for me because I’m used to attending 8 lectures per week, but each lasting one hour. At times, it has been difficult to stay fully engaged due to the length of the classes. Thankfully, I’m now getting accustomed to it and making an effort to stay attentive throughout.
I knew that moving to Barcelona would take some effort to adapt to the culture, but overall, the transition has been incredibly rewarding. Being a native Spanish speaker has really helped me adjust, communicate with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of both the language and culture. I have also made many friends who are in the same boat, and we have helped each other through the ups and downs of studying abroad. Adjusting to this life has helped me mature, appreciate what I have, stop taking things for granted, and discover new things about myself that I never knew I was capable of.