I’m Already Studying Abroad… So Why Did I Decide to Do It Again?

I have always been someone who loves traveling and experiencing new cultures. Over the years, I’ve had several international experiences that shaped how I see the world. I spent three months in South Africa, traveled to international forums in places like Greece, and I have been studying as an international student in the United States for the past two years. I come from Peru, so I’ve already had a fair share of stepping into different environments and adapting to new cultures.

Through all of these experiences, I realized something very important: I genuinely love being in international spaces. I love meeting people from different backgrounds, learning how others think, and experiencing daily life in places that are different from my own. It feels very enriching, and I believe it is one of the most valuable experiences a young person can have.

Because of this, I knew from the moment I started college that I wanted to study abroad at some point during my academic journey. It wasn’t a question of if, but when. I just needed the right timing and the right program that felt aligned with my goals.

During college, I also had the chance to see firsthand how impactful studying abroad can be. One of my closest friends studied with IES Abroad in Rome during the past fall semester. I was lucky enough to visit her while she was there. Seeing her experience in person really stayed with me. She was so happy and excited about her classes, her museum presentations, and the trips she went on through her program. More than anything, I could see how much she was growing from the experience and how much joy it brought her. That moment made me realize that IES Abroad was something I truly wanted to be part of.

After that, I started doing more research on their programs, especially in Europe. I’ve always been drawn to European countries because of their architecture, art, and deep historical background. Eventually, I came across programs in Spain, which led me to Barcelona, and I immediately felt connected to it as a possible destination.

Barcelona stood out to me for several reasons. First, it is a Spanish-speaking country, which makes it especially meaningful for me. As a Peruvian student studying in the United States, I have not had many opportunities to speak Spanish in my daily academic life. Choosing Barcelona feels like a chance to reconnect with that part of myself. I am also very excited about the possibility of taking college-level courses in Spanish, something I have been missing since moving abroad.

In a way, studying in Barcelona also feels like a bridge back to my roots. Even though Spain and Peru are very different culturally, they share a language and a complex historical connection. As someone who studies history as a hobby, I find this especially meaningful. Peru was colonized by Spain, and most of what I learned growing up came from the Peruvian perspective. I think it will be incredibly valuable to learn and understand history from a different point of view and to make connections between both narratives. I am especially looking forward to history courses, museum visits, and field-based learning experiences that will allow me to engage with this perspective more deeply.

Another reason I chose Barcelona is its environment and geography. I’ve always been drawn to places that combine nature and city life, and Barcelona offers both the mountains and the sea. It also reminds me of where I grew up in Cusco, Peru, a city surrounded by mountains and greenery. At the same time, it also brings to mind Cape Town, South Africa, another place that has a special spot on my heart. These connections made Barcelona feel familiar in an unexpected way, even though I have never been there before.

Beyond academics and location, I am also very excited about the people I will meet. I look forward to connecting with students from different universities, as well as local students if I have the opportunity to take classes at a local institution. One of the most meaningful parts of studying abroad, for me, is expanding your network and learning from people with completely different life experiences. I am excited to hear new stories, build friendships, and grow both personally and academically through those interactions.

Overall, my decision to study abroad came from a combination of past experiences, personal interests, and a desire to keep growing. I know that this experience will challenge me, inspire me, and help me see the world and myself from a new perspective. I am truly excited for everything that awaits in Barcelona and for the journey ahead with IES Abroad!