An Idiot Abroad, Abbey Wilson Edition : Bye Bye Barcelona

When I first decided to study abroad, I knew that it would change my life. What I didn’t know, was how MUCH it truly would. While I have gone abroad before, I have never truly felt independent in a place. This study abroad has allowed me to become more independent, flexible, and open to new beliefs and culture. I believe my future will be greatly affected by these experiences as I gear up to enter the “real world” in just one short year.

First of all, this trip has greatly affected my independence. The last couple times that I have traveled out of the country were either with a family or a large group, and I was kind of spoiled. I didn’t have to learn the metro system because there was always someone with me, and I didn’t even really have to worry about budgeting! While we were in a group for part of the time here in Barcelona, I also got to do a lot on my own, and learn how to get around in the city by myself. One of my main goals for this trip was to learn the metro system, which doesn’t seem that hard to the average person, but I am NOT good with directions. But hey, I did it! I think my newfound independence will most definitely transfer into my adult life as I will soon be living completely on my own, and will probably have to learn how to navigate a new city with new people. Being more independent really boosted my confidence, and now I really believe that I can make it on my own! It’s scary, but so worth it.

Another trait I accumulated from this trip was the ability to be flexible in any situation. I tend to be a schedule kind of girl. I like my routine, and I like knowing what is going to happen when. You can’t really do that when you’re in a new country, and especially not when traveling on excursions with a group. Many days I had to forgo the schedule I put in place for myself, and take new adventures instead. I think it was good for me to get out of my comfort zone and out of my routine. Meal times are aspect of this trip that required me to be very flexible. People don’t eat at 6 sharp here. They eat at 8:30, 9, maybe even 10 p.m. I had to readjust my schedule to fit into the culture here, but now I actually kind of enjoy it! I believe this flexibility will help me in my future career, and just with life in general! You can’t be in charge of your schedule all the time, and flexibility allows one to be more comfortable with change and uncertainty. I can definitely say that I will be able to be more laid back with my schedules, and be more spontaneous and flexible in the future!

Finally, this study abroad taught me how to be open to new beliefs and ways of life. I have lived in Indiana for most of my life, and that is the dominant culture that I have known. It was fascinating to jump into a new culture, especially when that culture was in a homestay and I absolutely could not avoid it even if I wanted to. I had to adapt to new ways of doing things, like taking shorter showers and using less electricity. I also had to welcome new cultural habits in like letting my underwear fly high on the clothes line for all to see. Definitely wasn’t used to that. But honestly, I felt just a little more satisfied knowing that my clothes had been “sun dried.” I mean, people pay big money for fancy things like that right? I believe that adapting to these new cultural norms will allow me to be more open to different cultural experiences in the future, especially when it comes to my career. I feel that I will be able to better communicate with businessmen and women around the globe now that I have a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Overall, this experience has changed me for the better, and I am overjoyed to be able to go home and into the workplace with these new found qualities that I didn’t even know I possessed. I have had an unbelievable time here in Barcelona, and as Glenda the Good Witch once said, “I have been changed for good.”