Tips and Tricks for Managing Classes!

   Classes are now in full swing, and my weekend travels have begun. I have officially been in Barcelona, Spain, for an entire month now. This experience has altered my perspective on confidence and independence, two traits that are crucial to success throughout the rest of your life.

       Gaining confidence to go abroad was one thing, but finding this confidence in a new city away from those you love most is another challenge in itself. I am currently taking a class called “Self and Identity in a Post Modern World”. This course has given me an outlet to discuss and reflect on my time abroad thus far and what I am even doing here. My professor leads an open discussion in the classroom, where we explore what kind of “self” we want to be while we are abroad. This has given me the confidence to continue with my school work while also enjoying my time abroad. Remembering that you are also here to study and learn through your academic pursuits in a new environment will allow you to return to your home with new knowledge and perspectives to share with your college community. 

       The first few weeks of balancing my schoolwork on top of my social life here in a new city, while also wanting to travel to nearby countries with new friends I had met, were difficult. Carving out time in between my classes has been the most helpful resource. Find time in between your days where you can hang out at the IES Barcelona building to get your homework done. Arrive early to class to review the readings and be actively engaged throughout your classes so that you can retain the most information during the allocated time slots for class. But most importantly, use your resources. The professors here at IES Barcelona are willing to work with you and want to see you grow. They always want to help you put your best foot forward so that you can succeed in their classes. 

       Coming abroad is scary, but coming by yourself is another added stressor on top of the business that surrounds studying abroad. You should take advantage of meeting new people in your classes as well as through the activities that IES Abroad offers. Every week, we receive a newsletter with upcoming announcements and events that are happening this week. This will allow you not only to meet new people and connect with IES Abroad staff members, but also to be exposed to the city around you. Join groups that IES Abroad offers! There are hiking groups, foodie groups, and more. All of these things will allow you to explore the city with new friends you just met, while also exploring your new home. 

       Say “yes” to every opportunity to meet new people, but also be cautious of how much you are “go-go-go”! After traveling almost every weekend, taking classes throughout the week, and then balancing weekday social activities with academics, it will soon become exhausting. Space out your trips to and weeknight hangouts so that you can maximize your time in your new city while also focusing on your academics. Start on a good foot with balancing your time (and money) for your weekend travel and weeknight hangouts, so that you can continue this excitement throughout the rest of your time abroad.