Words and photos by Aneas Potts, our Jetsetter Journalist who studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, during Spring semester 2024.

Immersing in the Culture from Day One

Living abroad is an incredible adventure that can be both exhilarating and challenging. For students in the Academic Studies Abroad program, this experience can truly be life-changing. When it was time for me to return home from Barcelona, I managed to avoid the dreaded reverse culture shock and have a smooth transition. My secret? Complete cultural immersion and a heart full of gratitude. Here’s how I managed to come back home with no regrets:

From the very first day I arrived in Barcelona, I made a pact with myself: I would dive headfirst into the local culture. If I wanted to try something, I did it. If I wanted to taste a new dish, I tasted it. This mindset not only enriched my stay and helped me come up with the persona of “The Foreign Native”, but also filled me with unforgettable memories. Whether it was uncovering hidden gems in the city or enjoying local cuisines, I made sure not to leave anything undone.

Balancing Local & Tourist Experiences

Now that I’m back home, people often ask how I’m handling the transition so well. The truth is, it’s hard to be upset when your heart is filled with gratitude. I’m incredibly thankful for the time I spent in Barcelona and the way I embraced every moment. From day one, I went full throttle, exploring the city both as a local and a tourist. This dual approach allowed me to soak in the authentic charm of the city while also enjoying its famous attractions.

EMBRACING INDEPENDENCE

One crucial lesson I learned was the importance of independence. While my roommates were wonderful companions, I quickly realized that to make the most of my time abroad, I needed to venture out on my own. This independence ensured that I never missed out on anything I wanted to do, even if it meant going solo. These solo adventures gave me a personalized and satisfying experience.

Reflecting on the Experience

Are there times when I miss Barcelona? Of course - In fact, it often feels like I was living in a dream. But when you take control of your dream and make the most of it, waking up becomes a lot easier. My time abroad changed my perspective on life and led to revelations that would have been impossible to achieve at home.

Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is crucial for dealing with reverse culture shock. By focusing on the incredible experiences I had and the personal growth I achieved, I can appreciate my time abroad without longing for what I left behind. Having an attitude of gratitude shifts the focus from what I miss, to what I gained, making the transition much smoother.

I believe much of the resentment associated with returning home stems from feeling like you left too many stones unturned. So, to avoid this, my advice to future study abroad students is simple: DON’T! Embrace every opportunity like it’s the last, dive into the culture, and chase your interests without hesitation. By doing so, you’ll return home with a heart full of gratitude and a mind enriched by diverse experiences, making the adjustment much easier.

Simply put, living abroad and returning home without regrets is simple: live abroad as if you’re writing the most exciting chapters of your life, and you’re sure to come back with a bestseller of experiences.