My time studying abroad in Barcelona was a very impactful experience for my academic and personal development. I had to step outside of my comfort zone while living on a new continent, and I had to quickly adapt to my new environment and way of life. I have noticed that I am a more independent and confident person overall. Navigating new situations, such as communicating and building relationships with people from different backgrounds and traveling, is something I am much more comfortable with now. This experience influenced me to become even more open-minded and globally aware, and I can understand more perspectives beyond my own.
Academically, I had the opportunity to learn in a more global context. In my business class, I was able to see how business and finance differ from the United States and how global markets operate in different environments. My other courses were not business focused, but I still learned a lot that I can bring back to the US. My learning in these classes connected to Spanish culture and history, which made the material more engaging and meaningful. It deepened my understanding of the country and strengthened my ability to learn in a more dynamic and immersive way. I can think more critically, ask different questions, and approach topics with a different and more analytical mindset.
Professionally, I developed soft skills that will be valuable in my future career. I touched on my adaptability before, and this skill will be especially helpful in fast-paced and changing environments. I can adjust to different expectations, norms, and routines with greater ease. My communication skills have improved as well. By interacting with people from diverse backgrounds with different primary languages and communication styles, I can better navigate a wide range of situations. Additionally, my problem-solving skills have been strengthened. Through solo travel and other independent activities, I learned how to handle challenges using my own judgment, resourcefulness, and confidence. All of these skills will help me succeed in my career and future classes.
In the future, I will use this experience to continue to face unfamiliar situations, perspectives, and challenges. I can do this in my personal, academic, and professional lives by seeking out new opportunities and pushing myself beyond what feels comfortable. The soft skills I developed will assist me in doing this, especially as I take on more responsibility at Pitt Business. I can think in a more global context and apply new perspectives to my work and interactions. Overall, it was an experience that played a significant role in my development and will continue to influence my goals and mindset moving forward.
