Days Turn Into Weeks and Suddenly You Never Want to Leave: A Day in the Life of a Study Abroad Student in Spain

Morning

I typically wake up at 8:30 a.m. and make my way over to Beatcore, a lagree-inspired workout class on Passeig de Gracia (Barcelona’s equivalent of Fifth Ave). Trying new workout classes around the city has been a great way to stay active and meet new people! I really enjoy going to Solidcore in Ann Arbor so finding Beatcore in Barcelona provided me with a sense of familiarity in a new environment. 

I then walk about 15 minutes back to my flat and cook breakfast. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices of groceries in Spain and have developed a love for cooking while abroad. A typical breakfast for me is eggs with spinach or pesto paired with some fruit.

Now that the weather is consistently above 65℉, something I love to do is read on my balcony. I just started Normal People by Sally Rooney and purchased it from Rare Birds Book Shop, a bookstore dedicated to championing female authors in Edinburgh, Scotland. The pace of life is much slower in Spain compared to the United States so I’ve found myself appreciating this calmer start to the day.

Afternoon

Walking around the city has been my favorite way to explore Barcelona, but the monthly-unlimited transit card allows for convenient public transportation.  I usually take the metro when I’m in a rush or it’s raining.

Today I have two classes: Art & Culture in Spain & Catalonia and Marketing in Fashion, Beauty, & Luxury. Each class is two-and-a-half hours long with 10-20 minute breaks. Students usually grab a quick bite to eat from the cafeteria (my favorite snack is a “Napolitana de Chocolate” for just 1.75 euros) and catch up with friends outside on the Rambla of Innovation, similar to the Ross Winter Garden. It’s always great running into fellow Ross ESADE students!

Marketing in Fashion, Beauty, & Luxury is undoubtedly my favorite course and is similar to short-term courses offered by the Office of Global Initiatives at Ross. Each session features a guest speaker, and today we heard from the international marketing managers of Carolina Herrera Fragrances. 

Evening

Spain boasts some of the world’s best nightlife and food (e.g. El Bulli voted The World’s Best Restaurant five times in eight years) so my friends and I have loved trying new restaurants. Gourmet Sensi is one of my favorites for tapas, which are believed to originate from Andalusian bars when people covered their drinks with slices of meat to keep flies away

Because many of my friends are abroad through different U-M programs, I always value moments like this where we can enjoy all that our home base has to offer.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, just apply! Growing up, I didn’t do much international travel so I’m very grateful for the global experiences I’ve been afforded in Seoul, Milan, and Barcelona since becoming a Wolverine. I’ve met some of the most incredible people abroad and made so many memories that I’ll cherish beyond my four years on campus. 

Go Blue!