Hello! My name is Andrea Rivera, and I am a first-generation student at the University of Oregon. One of the biggest reasons I chose the University of Oregon was because of the opportunity to study abroad. Even though I was excited, I was also nervous because I am the first person in my family to have an experience like this. Spending two months away from my family is something I have never done before, so choosing Barcelona, Spain, felt like the right decision. My uncle was a huge Barça fan, and since Spanish is my second language, I also felt more comfortable living in a country where I could communicate while still experiencing a new culture.
Before arriving, I wanted to learn more about Barcelona's culture and daily life. I wanted to understand local customs and social norms so I could adjust more easily. One thing I learned was that life here moves at a much slower pace. Spending time with my family in El Salvador had already introduced me to that lifestyle, but it has still been an adjustment after living in the fast-paced culture of the United States.
When I first arrived, the heat and humidity immediately stood out. The weather has honestly been one of the hardest things to adjust to. Arriving was also exciting and nerve-racking because I knew I would be spending the next two months with people I had just met. Thankfully, everyone has been welcoming, which has made settling much easier.
One of my first impressions of Barcelona is how friendly people are. Speaking Spanish has made it easier to connect with locals, and I can even understand parts of Catalan because it is similar to Spanish. At my internship, I've also had to adjust to a different work culture. My boss often takes my coworker and me out for breakfast or lunch, where we spend time talking about politics, current events, and personal beliefs. Those conversations would feel unusual with a supervisor in the United States, but here they have helped me feel more included and understand the culture better.
One surprise has been how important "third spaces" are in Barcelona. People spend hours relaxing at cafés, bars, and restaurants, and I was surprised to learn that many bars also serve breakfast, coffee, and pastries. The city also stays active much later than I'm used to.
Although I sometimes feel exhausted from the humidity and can be a bit of a homebody, I've been pushing myself to say yes to new experiences. Seeing the Sagrada Família at night and meeting new people have already made this trip unforgettable. Being away from my family has been difficult, but it has also taught me more about who I am outside of my comfort zone. I'm excited to continue growing and discovering more about both Barcelona and me over the next two months.
