By Larisa Rodriguez (UC Berkeley)
I’m sure I annoyed all my friends who were not fortunate enough to experience a semester abroad. Anyone who recollects their memories so fondly is evidence that they had the best time of their lives abroad, and that’s something I can confirm firsthand!
I am one of those people for whom TikToks are made. You know the ones that mock those gloating after their return from study abroad:
- “Oh, in Spain, everyone had a nap at this hour.”
- “In Italy, we had a shot of espresso after meals.”
- “This coffee is good, but it’s nothing like the café con leche from my corner bar in Barcelona.”
- “You know, in Europe, we actually take time to enjoy our meals…”
As a first-generation student preparing for Barcelona, I knew studying abroad wasn’t just about ticking off bucket list items or recreating scenes from my favorite Spanish films. I studied in Barcelona, Spain, during the summer of 2023, or what may also be referred to as the best time of my life. However, the experience would not have been possible without my commitment to fully immersing myself in the culture.
Here is the three-step process I followed to ensure I was prepared for complete immersion before I arrived in Barcelona, so you can follow this process too!
1. Do Your Research (But Not Just the Tourist Stuff)
My “research” into Spanish culture started way before I even thought about studying abroad – and by research, I mean binge-watching Spanish series and films. Sure, it sounds futile, but honestly? It prepared me better than any guidebook could. Through these shows, I picked up authentic Spanish slang (not the textbook stuff), got comfortable using it, and thought I understood what daily life in Spain looked like (spoiler alert: I had a lot to learn).
After years of vicariously living through Netflix, I decided it was time to star in my Spanish adventure. While enduring the endless wait for my application decision, I went into full planning mode:
What I did:
- Dove deeply into “Things to do in Barcelona” Google searches
- Created the most detailed spreadsheet known to mankind (organized by day of the week and price)
- Scoured every Yelp review and travel blog I could find
- Shared my master plan with my future roommates
- Turned our spreadsheet into a minute-by-minute itinerary organized by day of the week and price
My roommates added to the itinerary with their suggestions, and before we left, our trip was planned down to the last minute and site. Was it over-planned? Maybe. But it gave us a starting point – and sometimes knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do.
2. Talk to Everyone (Yes, Even When It’s Scary!)
Why did I choose Beyond Barcelona? It’s smple—they let me take classes with actual local students. Pro tip: I specifically enrolled in the Spanish-language courses (I know not everyone speaks their host country’s language – don’t worry, this advice still works for you).
Here’s what happened when I left my shyness back in the States:
- Made friends with local students from day one
- Created new friend groups within the first week
- Connected with other UC students to swap recommendations
- Became that person who asks ALL the questions (trust me, it’s actually a good thing)
Speaking of questions, here’s what you should really ask locals:
- “What does your typical day look like?”
- “Where do you actually eat? (Not the tourist spots)”
- “What’s the best nightlife that tourists don’t know about?”
- “Which weekend trips are worth it?”
- “What ‘must-see’ sights are actually overrated?”
- “What hidden gems should I check out instead?”
The key? Genuine curiosity. Local students became my personal guides to the real Barcelona – the one you won’t find in any tourist handbook.
3. Throw Out Your Itinerary Spreadsheet
Remember that super-detailed spreadsheet from Step 1? Here comes the plot twist – throw it out (kind of).
Don’t get me wrong: those tourist spots are must-sees for a reason. But here’s my advice: knock them out quickly, then dive into the real Barcelona.
If you’ve followed Step 2 and made local friends, you won’t need that spreadsheet anymore. Trust me.
By week three, something magical happened. My daily routine looked like this:
- Morning: School → Coffee break → More school
- Afternoon: Long lunch → Beach → Siesta (on the beach, because why not?)
- Evening: Dinner → Wherever our adventures found us
- Repeat: This simple routine? Pure magic.
The real turning point was when my roommates and I finally:
- Ditched the TikTok food recommendations
- Closed Google Maps
- Started wandering the streets without a plan
- Let our curiosity guide us to hidden gems
- Actually learned the neighborhood shortcuts
That’s when Barcelona transformed from our study abroad location to our home.
There’s something beautiful about getting lost and finding your way in a city – it’s how you stop being a tourist and start being a local.
Looking back, what I remember most isn’t checking items off my spreadsheet – it’s the unexpected moments: intense discussions in the halls of Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, spontaneous laughter shared over long paella lunches, and discoveries made while wandering those narrow Barcelona streets.
As I share this guide, I’m not just recounting tales that echo through Spanish siestas. I’m challenging you to leap into your own adventure with an open heart and insatiable curiosity. Whether Barcelona or any other corner of the world is calling you, I recommend immersing yourself fully and fearlessly. Trust me—the best memories won’t be on any checklist.
See more student tips about how to immerse yourself in the local language, culture, and vibes while studying abroad:
- Jamie Stickelmaier (UCLA) shares her strategy to maximize language immersion while studying abroad.
- See how implementing student diplomacy makes you a better listener and communicator on study abroad.
- Finally, a strategy recommended by UCEAP students to discover all the things you need to learn about your study abroad location.
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