When I first decided to study abroad in Barcelona, I was filled with excitement—but if I’m being honest, I was also filled with uncertainty. I came into this experience alone, not knowing a single person in the program. I kept wondering: Will I make any friends? Will I find people I can connect with? Will anyone understand my experience—especially as a Black woman abroad?
The opportunity to study in Barcelona came through the HBCU scholarship offered by Barcelona SAE. It was a dream come true. The program covered my costs, and I was even able to use financial aid to make it all happen at no cost to me. That’s not something I take lightly, especially when I met other students whose families could afford to pay for opportunities like this without financial strain. I felt incredibly grateful—but also a little out of place at times.
As a Black woman walking through the streets of Spain, there were moments I was clearly seen as “other.” The stares reminded me I was different, and that experience wasn’t always easy to shake. But through it all, I felt safe. Even walking alone at night, I had a surprising sense of peace. Still, adjusting to a new environment, a new language, and a different culture was overwhelming.
One of the biggest challenges was my Spanish class, which was taught entirely in Spanish. I knew some basics, but not nearly enough. I found myself struggling, frustrated, and sometimes doubting whether I was cut out for this. But this is where the beauty of friendship revealed itself. Through my classes and the program, I met other students who got it—who helped, encouraged, and pushed me to keep going. What started as unfamiliar faces turned into a community of support. They celebrated my wins, helped me study, and gave me the kind of friendship I didn’t expect to find in such a short time.
And then there was my community back home.
In moments of self-doubt or loneliness, I leaned into the love of those who had always believed in me. My family, friends, mentors—they were watching, cheering, praying, and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. Their words of encouragement came right when I needed them most. I realized how proud they were of me, and that sometimes, all we need is to know that someone sees us—that our effort, courage, and growth is being witnessed.
Being in Barcelona showed me just how important both new friendships and existing community are. You need people. Whether they’re across the ocean or sitting next to you in class, people who uplift you make all the difference.
Now, as I reflect on this journey, I can say with full confidence that the friendships I made here are ones I’ll cherish forever. They’ll be part of the stories I’ll tell my future kids—part of the testimony I’ll share with students I one day inspire to study abroad.
For anyone wondering if they’ll be able to make friends while studying abroad—especially if that’s your deciding factor—I want to encourage you: you can absolutely do it! But you have to be willing to put yourself out there. Say yes to that group dinner, start a conversation after class, or invite someone to explore the city with you. Friendships don’t always happen instantly, but they do happen when you stay open. At the same time, don’t be afraid of solitude. Some of the most powerful moments of studying abroad come when you’re by yourself—walking through a new neighborhood, journaling in a quiet café, or reflecting on who you’re becoming. You’ll learn so much about who you are when no one’s watching, and that kind of growth is priceless. Embrace both the connections and the quiet, because both will shape your story.
This experience was so much more than a trip—it was transformation, connection, and a reminder that even when you travel alone, you are never truly alone.
