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Channel: Spain – Study Abroad Student Stories – UW–Madison
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Spain: Alison Stecker

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Program: IES Barcelona, Spring

Alison’s Major: Journalism

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

A woman in a white long sleeved shirt and jeans sits on a bench with mosaic tiles in the background
Alison sitting on a bench at Park Güell on a cold day in January. It was her first full day exploring the city of Barcelona.

Spend a lot of time in your host country and city. Before I studied abroad, my best friend told me to travel less and stay in Barcelona more. Although I do not regret any of my travel decisions, it is really important to slow down and appreciate the city you are living in. Studying abroad is very rewarding, but it is also one of the most exhausting and fast-moving experiences.

Make sure to take enough time for yourself and take in the culture around you.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

The most memorable part of my program was not necessarily an experience, but rather the people that I met along the way. I made lifelong friends with individuals from different states and universities, and we already made plans to see each other during the school year. My experience would not have been what it was without the wonderful friends I made!

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

A slower pace of life. In Spain and in Europe, it is customary to live a laid-back, simple life because it allows you to develop a deeper appreciation for time and be more in touch with reality. It encourages you to “live in the moment.” In the United States, we are so focused on “what comes next” that sometimes we don’t stop and think about what is currently happening in front of us. I hope to take this custom and adapt it to my routine back at home because I think it is super important to strip time down to its essence and enjoy every moment.

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