Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying In Barcelona

1. Money runs quick

Even though many people say that Europe is much cheaper than the US, many price differences are not that drastic. Not to mention, the euro-dollar conversion is not always favourable, something that is easy to overlook. It is better to overestimate how much money you should save up, rather than risk ending up short. Be smart about spending, and consider preparing a lot of your meals at home rather than eating out!

2. Your friends may be different to back home (and this is a good thing!)

Despite the romanticization of studying abroad, it can be difficult at first to adjust to a new environment while also meeting new people, especially if you’re arriving alone. I’m extremely grateful that my program had me living among other international students, which sort of forced us to spend time together. As a result, I’m lucky enough to have met people who make saying goodbye to Barcelona extremely hard. Seriously, my new friends here made my study abroad experience ten times better, and now I couldn’t imagine experiencing Barcelona without them. Take the opportunity that studying abroad gives to explore new friendships and personalities that you perhaps wouldn’t normally gravitate toward in the US. You may meet your new best friend or a potential partner… ;).

3. Nobody is judging you, so go for it!

Prior to arriving in Barcelona, many people I knew had the stereotype that Europeans are extremely judgmental. As someone with social anxiety, I wholeheartedly disagree. Being abroad has taught me to be much more independent, confident, and content in my own solitude. You tripped on the uneven sidewalk? You’ll never see these people again. Metro doors closed on you? You’ll make the next one. I can comfortably do my makeup in the metro, and nobody will care because they’re either busy with their significant other, laughing on the phone, or singing for tips. Nobody cares. Do it all. Ask for that cute guy’s number, compliment a girl’s sweater, or get lost in a random neighborhood. If there is one time to make mistakes or embarrass yourself, it’s when you’re studying abroad. Exposure therapy, as one might say.

4. Save space for solo quests

Study abroad can be an intense social experience: as you get closer to your new friends, you’re going to feel the urge to plan every dinner, every trip, and even every simple errand with them. Don’t get me wrong, I still ask for company in the majority of the things I do abroad. However, take the opportunity to explore the city alone and self-reflect. Whether it’s cruising around the local Mercadona supermarket (which I love to do) or treating yourself to a nice lunch, take the time to be with yourself. It seems scary, but as I mentioned, nobody really cares (or knows you, for that matter). And if you’re bold enough, take a leap & book that solo trip! Exploring alone gives you the freedom to do everything you want to do and eat whatever you want, without having to accommodate others. Nourish yourself! It’s worth it.

5. Homesickness comes in waves

As someone who is very close with family and friends, and who loves school, I expected to miss home a ton throughout my time in Barcelona. However, I found that I am always so on the go that I rarely have time to miss people. The homesickness hits when you call your mom, brother, or best friend, and realise how much you miss your people and moments back home. But at the end of the day, you’re creating new bonds and unforgettable memories in a whole new continent! When you feel homesick, feel the emotions, call a friend, and look at old photos. After that, go for a walk around your neighborhood, and remember how amazing your experience abroad is.

6. Clubbing isn’t everything

Before you get mad, I’ll preface that I love a good night out with my favorite music from 2016. But there is so much more to studying abroad than going out every night and hitting the clubs. And there is more to Barcelona than La Sagrada Familia & Park Güell. Every Barrio (neighborhood) has its own architecture, art, and hidden gems. Spend a night painting at the Sunset Bunkers, make a family dinner with your residence floor, or try a cooking class in the Gothic Quarter. To be honest, clubbing can get exhausting and feel a bit repetitive. A couple of months into my program, I realized that there is so much more to do in the evenings than go out. That being said, you probably still see me at Razzmatazz on Wednesdays (but this recommendation still stands).

Studying abroad with friends in Spain — Me and my best friend during our study abroad program

7. Plan some downtime

Travel fatigue is real! I am the biggest traveller, and would spend the rest of my life visiting other countries if I could. However, you genuinely do burn out, and it reflects in your everyday life. Plan weekends to stay in Barcelona and explore the city! Even better, take this opportunity to catch up on sleep and get ahead on school work. It may sound dumb when you’re about to leave to study abroad in Spain, but halfway through the semester, you’re going to really need a weekend off to do absolutely nothing.

8. The US FOMO is real

Feeling some FOMO from your home school is inevitable. You’ll miss your friends, your comfort zone, and your everyday life from back home. But at the end of the day, you’re in Barcelona with an amazing opportunity to see the world! Use it to meet new people in your program, connect with locals, or even spend time exploring in your solitude. I promise, there is nothing you are missing out on that is better than your experience abroad :)

9. Lean into Catalan

The majority of people in Barcelona use Spanish in their everyday life, so you can get by fine. But Catalan is also everywhere: from metro signs to menu descriptions, you’ll see it every day. You don’t need it to enjoy Barcelona, but it can be useful to learn some basic phrases in Catalan to really immerse yourself in the culture, connect more with locals, and make your journey easier!

10. It’s okay to miss home

We all want to feel like locals in Barcelona, but sometimes you just really crave some home comforts. To this day, I still miss Limon Hot Cheetos, to the point that I made an American friend who came to visit bring me a bag. There are small, niche things that you will miss while you’re abroad, whether it's a bag of chips or your favorite coffee drink (although Barcelona has insanely good coffee). Don’t feel guilty for missing things that you grew up on. Instead, take this opportunity to explore equivalents in Barcelona! Miss Crumbl? Try The Holy Cookie or Demasie’s! Want a Starbucks or Dunkin coffee? Sure enough, Barcelona has both :) Meanwhile, there are so many new things to try, so take this opportunity to explore the food culture around the city.

11. Embrace the change

There is a stereotype of study abroad students that come back to the US and act like it changed their life…. Well, it’s okay to feel this way. Because studying abroad has taught me so much not only about Barcelona culture, but about myself, my friends, and what I want from a career. It may be hard to adjust at first, but this struggle is what makes it rewarding in the end! So I say immerse yourself in the experience. Hang out with new friends. Go on dates. Solo travel. Do everything you wish you could do in the US but haven’t gotten the opportunity to. It’s worth it.