by Rebecca Mendoza (UC Berkeley)

“The unexpectedness of life, waiting round every corner, catches even wise women unawares (…) To avoid corners altogether is, after all, to refuse to live.” – Freya Stark

Life can often be unpredictable, especially when deciding to study abroad 6,000 miles from home. But you know what? Embracing those unexpected experiences turned out to be the best part of my study abroad journey at the Universitat de Barcelona. From spontaneous adventures to chance encounters, saying yes to uncertainty allowed me to meet fascinating people from around the world, participate in unique festivities, and discover passions I didn’t know I had.

Here’s how learning to embrace the unexpected transformed my time abroad—and how it can transform yours too.

When “Yes” Feels Scary: Taking Classes in Catalan

A less commonly known fact about Barcelona is that it’s located in the Catalunya region, where most people speak Catalan—a language somewhat similar to Spanish. Although I initially planned to take classes in English for international students, I made the spontaneous decision to take an intensive Catalan language course instead.

At first, it was terrifying, but by learning the basics, I was able to enroll in physics courses taught in Catalan at the Universitat de Barcelona.

The first few weeks of school were challenging, but learning Catalan opened so many opportunities for me to interact with locals, navigate the city with ease, and attend school like a normal Spanish student.

It’s also a great feeling knowing you became proficient in another language just by immersing yourself in your environment.

The lesson: Learning the basics of the native language is one of the best ways to build relationships with locals, show respect for their culture, and have a more fulfilling experience abroad. Even when it feels intimidating, saying yes to that challenge pays off.

When “Yes” Means Showing Up: Festivals and Local Events

I knew the lifestyle in Spain would be quite different from the United States, but what ultimately surprised me the most was the sheer number of festivals and events happening year-round. Instead of staying in my comfort zone, I made it a point to show up and participate.

I had so much fun at celebrations like Sant Medir, where marching bands and horseback riders paraded through the streets tossing candy to spectators. I walked through the streets during Sant Jordi, where the city was filled with people selling books, roses, and dragons. Sant Juan was even more exciting, with huge bonfires and fireworks going off all night. One of the most beautiful celebrations I experienced was the Temps de Flors in Girona—a week-long event where the city is filled with beautiful flowers and art installations.

Champion Burger event in Barcelona

Beyond traditional festivities, there are always unique events or exhibitions. I attended several Women’s FC Barcelona games and ended up becoming a huge fan. I also saw the Cirque du Soleil perform, enjoyed a burger festival called The Champions Burger, and visited touring exhibits like Tim Burton’s Labyrinth.

The lesson: There is always something new to do if you’re willing to show up.

Go out and explore your city as often as possible—you never know what will become your new favorite tradition.

When “Yes” Takes You Out of Your Comfort Zone: Discovering New Passions

I know gravel biking is not everyone’s cup of tea, but hear me out. When I came to Spain, I was surprised to discover that Barcelona has several scenic trails, and Girona (a nearby city) is one of the largest hubs for cyclists in Europe. I decided to give it a try, even though I’d never been particularly athletic.

Gravel cycling trail in Barcelona

Cycling turned out to be so much more than I expected.

I had the opportunity to race alongside some of the best athletes in the world at the Santa Vall (a 3-day, 200k staged race) and the Traka (a 200k race). I spent almost every weekend riding my bike through hundreds of miles of trails, experiencing beautiful farmland, mountains, and beaches.

The lesson: Even if something doesn’t seem like “your thing,” try it anyway. Whether it’s hiking, walking, running, or cycling, exploring local trails is a wonderful way to see a different side of your host city.

If you’re in Barcelona, I highly recommend checking out the trails in Girona and the paths that go up to Tibidabo, a small mountain overlooking the city.

When “Yes” Opens Unexpected Doors: The London Gala

While the UK might not be considered “near” Barcelona, it’s a relatively short flight away—and you can find flights as cheap as 30 euros. I unexpectedly came across the UC Trust (a wonderful organization based in London that provides scholarships and hosts events year-round) through a friend, and I decided to say yes to volunteering at the 7th annual UK Alumni Gala.

Table at the UC Trust Gala in London

The gala was one of the best experiences of my life. I was able to network with amazing UC alumni and learn about their study abroad experiences. It opened doors I never expected and reminded me that some of the best opportunities come from simply showing up and being open to connection.

The lesson: Get involved with organizations and communities, even if they seem outside your immediate circle. If you’re from a UC school, I highly recommend connecting with the UC Trust. And even if formal events aren’t available, make trips to nearby countries—you never know what experiences await.

I visited London twice during my time abroad, and I discovered gems like Waterstones Piccadilly (the largest bookstore in Europe), the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Dopamine Land (an interactive exhibit), and the Barbican Conservatory (indoor botanical gardens).

When “Yes” Leads to Surprising Adventures: Andorra

Andorra is a small country on the border between Spain and France, only a three-hour bus ride from Barcelona. During the winter, Pal Arinsal (located in La Massana) is a stunning snowboarding and skiing destination. Although I had never touched a snowboard or skis before, I took classes with wonderful instructors who taught me both sports during a weekend trip.

Pyrenees mountains of Spain

If snow isn’t your thing, Pal Arinsal also turns into a bike park over the summer with some of the best trails in the world. And if neither skiing nor biking sound appealing, Andorra La Vella (the capital) is a picturesque small town next to the beautiful Pyrenees mountains where you can enjoy miles of scenic trails.

The lesson: Weekend trips don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Sometimes the best adventures are just a bus ride away. Say yes to exploring nearby towns and countries—you’ll be amazed at what you discover.

While the experiences I’ve shared may not resonate with everyone, my goal is to show that studying abroad opens the door to countless unique opportunities. Finding these opportunities is simply a result of saying yes—to participating in your local community, exploring your new environment, and embracing the unexpected.

If you’re considering studying abroad, my advice is to fully commit to the experience. It’s normal to be nervous, but if you’re willing to say yes to the unexpected adventures that come your way, you’re guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

After all, as Freya Stark reminds us, to avoid corners altogether is to refuse to live.

Learn more about the unexpected discoveries UC students find while studying abroad: