Before I arrived in Barcelona, there were a lot of things on my mind–“How am I going to make friends?”, “What’s school going to look like?”, “Am I going to be able to adjust to the language?”–to name a few. When I’m on the cusp of jumping into the unknown, my mind often runs through as many potential scenarios as possible, so that I might be as prepared as possible for what’s to come. One thing that my mind couldn’t anticipate, however, was the beautifully dynamic cultural landscape that I was about to enter.
I, of course, had heard of the influence of Catalan on Barcelona, but only from an outsider's perspective. Unfortunately, these exterior conversations often reflect negatively on the Catalan culture, and don’t show the beautiful history and vigor of its people. The truth is that while Barcelona has evolved into a bustling cultural powerhouse, its roots run deep, and its citizens are passionate about preserving them. Although it may seem daunting at first, allowing yourself to integrate into the vibrant cultural nuances of Catalunya and its people is absolutely worth it. Whether it’s taking a Catalan language class, engaging with local holidays and celebrations, or befriending a local, Barcelona has it all.
Another surprise was the sheer number of unique cultural identities that are represented in Barcelona. I couldn’t believe how diverse the city was, especially when it comes to the food scene. It almost feels like Chicago or New York in the U.S, in the sense that there is a new restaurant waiting to serve you quality ethnic food around every corner (most notable for me was the abundance of Asian/fusion locations). Barcelona also has significant representation from various Latin American countries, including Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and more. If you’re looking for recommendations, TKO’s famous 1€ tacos and La Cachapera for Venezuelan arepas were some of my favorites. This cultural melting pot also offers a unique opportunity to experience many different Spanish dialects all in one location, which cannot be found almost anywhere else in the world.
Now, I know I’ve been singing the praises of Barcelona and its wonderful multicultural lifestyle, but for many students coming from smaller towns or who might not be quite as adventurous at home, it can still be a shock at first. Our cultural identities help define who we are and what we believe in, and adjusting to an environment where these values and identities are different isn’t always easy. The key is to keep an open mind. Maybe consider a culture you have always been curious about (it could be Spanish culture too!) and see if you can find a way to engage with it in Barcelona. Once you receive your housing assignment, research the neighborhood you’re in to learn more about which communities might be more active in your area, so you have an idea of what to expect. Finally, my strongest recommendation is to really make an effort to speak Spanish (or Catalan) with locals. Even if it’s just learning a few common phrases/idioms, having something to fall back on when engaging with a new environment can really help to alleviate situational stress.
While the first few weeks can be challenging, I can confidently say that studying abroad in Barcelona was one of the highlights of my life. I never could have imagined the impact it would have on me. The friendships I made, the memories I created, and the community I found around me forever shifted my perspective on life, and I wouldn't change it for the world.
