Barcelona Study Abroad Trip (8 pts) - (Endia Evans, Class of 2028)

I had an incredible opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in Barcelona, Spain, through CEA CAPA and the Spelman College Gordon-Zeto Center for Global Education.  This study abroad experience was truly enriching.  I delved into a Globalized Spain course, where I was able to make connections between the history of Barcelona and cultural immersion through in-class discussions, lectures, and field studies of various neighborhoods in Barcelona.  This opportunity truly allowed me to dive deeper into the various aspects of a foreign location as a global and diverse city.  One highlight from this course was the discussion of architecture and the modernist art movement, leading to some of Barcelona’s most beautiful architectural works by the prominent artist Antoni Gaudí.  I was amazed by seeing his works, such as Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia (In the provided picture).  I also took an introduction to the Catalan language course during my first week.  This course was truly a highlight of my educational experience abroad, as learning another language is always a hidden gem that I found useful during cultural encounters with locals, and navigating day-to-day life in Barcelona.  Finally, aside from academics, this experience was ultimately met with creating new bonds with my Spelman sisters, trying several new dishes, and sightseeing throughout different areas of Barcelona.  I even took a day trip to Rome, Italy, one weekend, an unforgettable day of visiting incredible architectural works that I had dreamed of seeing one day.  This cultural immersion is one of many I hope to embark on throughout and beyond my college journey, and I have taken away many lessons and memories that I will always remember!

Endia Evans