spain

Immersion 101: How to Go From Tourist to Local in 3 Steps

2025-06-23T10:49:44-07:00

When UC Berkeley student Larisa Rodriguez landed in Barcelona for her summer abroad, she arrived armed with color-coded spreadsheets and minute-by-minute itineraries. What she didn't expect was how quickly she'd learn to throw them away. In this guide to genuine cultural immersion, Rodriguez shares her transformation from dedicated planner to spontaneous explorer, offering a three-step approach that took her far beyond the typical study abroad experience. Her story proves that while tourist attractions might bring you to a city, it's the unplanned moments – from impromptu beach siestas to getting lost in narrow streets – that make it feel like home.

Immersion 101: How to Go From Tourist to Local in 3 Steps2025-06-23T10:49:44-07:00

Don’t Fear the Culture Shock!

2025-06-09T09:21:53-07:00

When Marisol Mendoza (UC San Diego) arrived in Barcelona, she thought her Spanish language skills and previous travel experience would help her avoid culture shock. Instead, this nanoengineering student discovered that embracing cultural differences – from quiet Sundays to new perspectives on work-life balance – became one of the most valuable parts of her study abroad experience. Through nine months in Spain, she learned that culture shock isn't something to fear but rather an opportunity for growth that can reshape your future plans and global outlook.

Don’t Fear the Culture Shock!2025-06-09T09:21:53-07:00

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad

2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

Solene Granatur, a seasoned solo traveler, shares practical tips and heartwarming moments from her study abroad journey across Europe. From navigating budget airlines to finding community in unexpected places, discover how to make the most of your solo adventures while staying safe and savvy abroad.

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Europe: Lessons from Study Abroad2025-04-14T15:25:06-07:00

Food Experiences that Defined My Mediterranean Study Abroad Experience

2025-04-14T15:29:47-07:00

Journey through Florence, Rome, and Barcelona as Yvonne Liu (UC Berkeley) shares all the ways that Mediterranean cuisine and culture intersect to create transformative study abroad moments that reinforce tradition, connection, and discovery.

Food Experiences that Defined My Mediterranean Study Abroad Experience2025-04-14T15:29:47-07:00

3-minute travel guide: Barcelona, Spain

2025-04-14T16:56:11-07:00

Ever wonder what it's like to study abroad in Spain? Read UC Berkeley Claudia Waldman's advice on where to live, what to eat, and unforgettable weekend trips to take in the Basque country. Claudia shares what to pack, what to leave behind, and what to buy while you're in Barcelona.

3-minute travel guide: Barcelona, Spain2025-04-14T16:56:11-07:00

Dear future study abroad kid

2025-04-14T16:59:23-07:00

If you're wondering why you would leave behind the life you worked so hard for back home, Elena Mateus (UC Berkeley) has some advice to offer. Study abroad won't always be easy and it won't always look like the perfect Instagram posts, but it will be worth it and just might be the best decision in your life.

Dear future study abroad kid2025-04-14T16:59:23-07:00
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