My favorite class while abroad was Sports Marketing because it connected directly to my interests and what I hope to do professionally in the future. I really enjoyed learning about how sports teams and organizations market themselves, build their brands, and connect with fans. Being in Barcelona also made the class more meaningful because I was able to see the impact that sports, especially soccer, has on the culture and community around me. It was a great way to combine something I’m passionate about with my experience abroad.
While abroad, I engaged with the local community by exploring the city beyond the typical tourist spots and experiencing everyday life in Barcelona. I spent time trying local restaurants and cafés, visiting different neighborhoods, and attending local events, which helped me get a better understanding of the culture and the way people live. I also made an effort to interact with locals and practice my Spanish whenever I could. These experiences helped me feel more connected to the city and made my time abroad feel like more than just a semester away from home.
