A New Experience
At first, the most challenging aspect of studying in Barcelona was the seven-hour time difference. It was quite different from back home in Wisconsin. However, knowing that over call my family every day, which prevents me from feeling homesick (I just have to be mindful of the time difference back home).
Studying abroad in Barcelona has been an incredible and unforgettable learning experience. One moment that stood out the most was my tour of La Sagrada Familia. This iconic architectural masterpiece, designed by Antoni Gaudí, was truly breathtaking. I had seen pictures before on the IES Barcelona website, but actually being there was an entirely different experience. This massive structure is 90 meters wide, and its sheer size was awe-inspiring.
Inside, the tour guide pointed out the kaleidoscope of colors streaming through the stained-glass windows. According to the guide, these windows were not completed in Antoni Gaudí’s lifetime and were later designed and installed under the guidance of Joan Vila-Grau. One of the most fascinating facts I learned is that despite construction beginning over a century ago, it is still ongoing today.
As I near the halfway mark of my program, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to gain international exposure and learn in a different country, let alone an entirely different continent. Global Gateway has played a crucial role in making this study abroad experience possible for me. A lasting memory I will always cherish is seeing La Sagrada Familia for the first time. The sheer size of the church was overwhelming—you can see it from miles away.
Christopher Johns
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: IES Barcelona
Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship affirms that my academic hard work and eagerness to represent UW-Madison are being recognized. It demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting all students, including first-generation and underrepresented minorities like me. By investing in our education and providing opportunities for international learning, UW-Madison makes experiences accessible that might otherwise have been out of reach.
I most look forward to learning about Barcelona’s political history and its role in European and global affairs. I’m excited to learn how local culture, politics, and international relations intersect in this city. This will deepen my understanding of global dynamics and enrich my studies in political science.