Liz Aguillon

What are you up to these days? Have you graduated? Are you working? How did your experience in Barcelona have an impact on your life?

I recently graduated from UC Riverside and now work as a Senior Account Executive for the Ontario Fury, a professional soccer team in Ontario, California. Before I graduated, I worked in the study abroad office as a student intern and also was a Campus Ambassador Intern with Barcelona SAE. I absolutely love what I now and it’s all in thanks to the amazing experience I had studying abroad with Barcelona SAE.

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Transformative and Exciting

Explain why you chose those words.

I chose transformative because this trip changed my life in so many ways. Being so far away on my own provided me the freedom to explore my surroundings and myself in my own way. I learned so much about who I am and what I am capable of during this time. I also met so many amazing people on this trip, some of which I still consider close friends. These experiences and friendships I made continue to influence me everyday. I had so many adventures on this trip, some planned some unexpected, and that’s why I had to chose the word “exciting”. So many great memories were made that will stick with me forever.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

My host mother was a fantastic cook so by far my favorite place to eat was at home. However outside of the house, the New York Café right next door to my university in Barcelona (BIC) was a place we frequently had lunch at. I ate a lot of pasta, empanadas, Bikini con Huevo and Café con Leche there. I would have to say my favorite food in Barcelona would have to be the desserts: Crema Catalana and Churros con Chocolate!

What was your favorite tour, day trip, or cultural activity? Why?

My favorite activity was the cooking class. It was so much fun learning how to make all my favorite dishes, especially the Creme Catalana! What I liked most about this was coming back home and trying these recipes out all on my own.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

My perfect day in Barcelona would consist of three things: A walk through the Gothic Quarter, A traditional Catalan dinner with sangria and crème catalane, and a game at the Camp Nou. I chose these things because I enjoy exploring the city and I found that walking through the gothic Quarter always led me to a new, interesting location. As for the food it had to be included because you can’t truly say you’ve been in Barcelona without trying some of the traditional meals that are served. Lastly, as a sports fanatic it would not be a “perfect” day without going to watch Barca play at the Camp Nou. I had the opportunity to do all these activities in my time abroad and would love to do them all over again!

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Make the most of your stay in Barcelona. Your time abroad goes by very quickly, before you know it you’re on your flight back home. Try new things, meet new people, and of course have a lot fun.