I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain this past spring semester through the IES program offered through Penn State. I took 15 credits while abroad which included courses to fulfill my general education courses.
This experience was important to me because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to travel throughout a different continent and gain knowledge and exposure to different cultures throughout the time I was there. When I arrived at the apartment I was assigned to through the program, I found out that there was also a Spanish student living with my and the four other roommates I would be sharing the apartment with as well. She and I became very close and I was invited to spend a day with her family and I got to explain to them a little about my life at home and the differences I have noticed since my time in Spain. I feel as though the relationship that I built with her is something that will last for some time and may influence my decision to go abroad again and reconnect with her and her family.
Through the IES program, each student studying in Barcelona is required to take a Spanish course that fit their level of previous knowledge. Spanish class was four days a week for one hour and greatly influenced the amount of new knowledge I gained about the language. I also took a psychology course that described human developmental psychology aspects of Barcelona culture specifically. I also took courses that discussed the art and architecture throughout the city and the story of the architects and artists that created them. I also learned about how the international events in the city greatly impacted not only the architecture, but the entire development of the city. I got to learn so much about the city and the culture that was present there.
As of right now, I plan on applying and hopefully attending a physician assistant program after graduation. I will say that this experience greatly increased my desire to travel throughout my lifetime. I have even begun to consider attending physician assistant programs away from home, most likely still in the United States, but I am also now considering practicing as a physician assistant abroad. I truly enjoyed this experience and wish I was able to continue this experience in a different program and take advantage of the feasibility of the opportunity.
picture perfect
In front of the Cascade fountain located in Park de la Ciutadella
study break
Attended an FC Barcelona soccer game
sight seeing
La Sagrada Familia, designed and partially completed by Antoni Gaudi