Studying Abroad in Barcelona: A Leap of Faith

Deciding to study abroad in Barcelona was the biggest leap of faith I have ever taken. I left behind a college where I would walk around campus and see a dozen familiar faces, surrounded by corn and highways. At Notre Dame, comfort came so easy when everything and everyone felt known. But suddenly, I was in a city where I knew no one. I had no one to turn to, no routine, and no idea what the city life of Barcelona would entail. I was as terrified as I was excited.

Had I made the right choice?

The first few days went by like a blur. I learned to speak Spanish to talk to locals, figure out how to take the Metro to class, and navigate new streets, all while constantly introducing myself. Underneath all the excitement, I felt a sense of loneliness. Although I was surrounded by people, I knew no one. I began to question the decision I had made and if this city would ever feel like home.

But little by little things started to shift. I learned the importance of figuring things out by myself, being alone, and being okay with being lost. As time went on, conversations felt more natural, I laughed more, and I started to feel a sense of belonging. I also realized my random study abroad roommate would turn into a lifelong best friend.

The value of small wins

Barcelona taught me how to slow down, trust myself, and be present in a way I never had to before. I found happiness in the consistent small wins, from ordering meals in Spanish to hanging out with strangers who soon became friends. I soon realized studying abroad was not just about all the amazing places I got to see, but the version of myself that I was becoming while seeing them.

Trading familiar faces for foreign places showed me I am capable of so much more than I thought. Through my experience, I gained my independence and my confidence. I head home with deep appreciation for discomfort that pushes you to grow to be the best version of yourself. Leaving my world behind was the best way to find something new, in the world and in myself.

Kathleen B. | University of Notre Dame | Barcelona Universities Program: UAB in Spain | Spring 2025