A Journey of Cultural Immersion 

Studying abroad in Barcelona has been a transformative experience, but one of the most impactful aspects of my time here has been volunteering at La Troca, a community education center that supports immigrant families. As a volunteer, I take care of young children while their mothers, primarily Arab immigrants, attend language classes to learn Spanish, Catalan, and English. This role has opened my eyes to the complexities of language learning and cultural integration, while also challenging me to reflect on my own experience as a foreigner in a new city. 

Through my background in psychology and sociology, I have always been fascinated by how language shapes identity and belonging. Volunteering at La Troca gave me a deeper understanding of how linguistic skills can empower individuals to build new lives and navigate their environments with confidence. At the same time, my own struggles with Catalan and Spanish have made me more aware of how isolating language barriers can feel. 

Keeping busy with toys while mom's in class. 

Language as a Tool for Empowerment 

One of the most significant lessons I learned from the women at La Troca is the importance of language in fostering independence. Many of these mothers moved to Barcelona seeking better opportunities for their families, but arriving without proficiency in the local languages created challenges when it came to daily tasks and social interactions. Learning Spanish and Catalan is not just about communication—it’s about gaining access to resources, building relationships, and feeling at home in a new place. 

I remember one day when Latifa, the program coordinator, explained how motivated the women were to learn because they knew that mastering the language would allow them to advocate for their children in school, find better job opportunities, and build a sense of community. Watching them work through grammar exercises and practice speaking with each other made me realize how powerful language can be in shaping a person’s journey to independence and belonging. 

A bright and colorful space for little explorers! The playroom at La Troca is filled with toys, books, and endless opportunities for learning and laughter. 

The Power of Community and Overcoming Language Barriers 

La Troca is more than just a place to learn languages—it’s a community where immigrant women find support and encouragement. The atmosphere is one of solidarity and empowerment, as women from different backgrounds come together to share experiences and help each other adapt to life in Barcelona. 

As an American student studying abroad, I also encountered my own struggles with language, especially when trying to pick up Catalan phrases. While Spanish was already somewhat familiar, Catalan felt entirely new and often intimidating. Simple greetings and phrases like “Bon dia” (Good morning) or “Gràcies” (Thank you) took practice, and it made me appreciate the dedication of the women at La Troca even more. My limited Catalan skills occasionally made me feel like an outsider, but it also motivated me to put in the effort to learn. Whether it was navigating local markets or chatting with people at community events, I noticed how even small attempts at speaking Catalan were met with appreciation. This experience has taught me to embrace the vulnerability of not being fluent and to approach language learning as an act of respect for the local culture. 

This sense of community is something I admired and tried to replicate in my interactions with the kids. While they were too young to fully grasp the language lessons their moms were learning, they mirrored the sense of curiosity and openness that characterized the environment at La Troca. Taking care of them reminded me that building community goes beyond words—it’s about fostering trust, empathy, and connection. 

The bulletin board at La Troca is packed with opportunities, resources, and stories. 

Advice for Future Students: Embrace Community Engagement 

For anyone studying abroad, I highly recommend seeking out volunteer opportunities that allow you to connect with the local community. It’s easy to stay within the comfort zone of other American students, but branching out to interact with locals can enrich your experience in unexpected ways. Whether it’s through volunteering, joining a club, or just chatting with people at the market, immersing yourself in the culture will help you gain a deeper understanding of the place you’re living. 

Learning together, growing together. La Troca students practicing Spanish with determination and community spirit! 

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact 

Volunteering at La Troca not only gave me a unique perspective on immigrant integration in Spain, but also challenged me to think critically about my own identity and privilege as an English-speaking student. It pushed me to embrace discomfort and learn from it, reminding me that growth often comes from stepping outside familiar boundaries. 

Looking back on my time at La Troca, I feel grateful for the connections I made and the lessons I learned. I came to Barcelona expecting to be a student of the city’s architecture, food, and language, but I left with a deeper understanding of how migration shapes communities and how language can be a gateway to belonging. 

Where learning meets belonging. La Troca’s doors are always open to those seeking connection and growth. 

This post was written by Esme O’neill, an Alumni Ambassador from Tulane University, who studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain.