Our Global Classroom
Here at IES Barcelona, my classes look quite different from those at UW. My classes are located in downtown Barcelona, which is a refreshing change of pace. Instead of taking the 80-bus line to class, I now take the metro. My class sizes are relatively small, which is nice because it makes the learning experience more personal and allows me to focus better.
During the second week of my IES Barcelona program, our group embarked on a two-day learning excursion to Tarragona, Spain. Before the excursion, I had the opportunity to read about Tarragona’s history, and being able to explore the city in person added a whole new dimension to my understanding. Located an hour and a half south of Barcelona, Tarragona has a deep Roman history, as it was once under Roman rule.
The excursion began with a guided tour of the Roman amphitheater. This Colosseum-inspired structure overlooks the Mediterranean Sea (picture below). Standing in the arena where gladiators once fought was an eye-opening experience. Our knowledgeable tour guide provided us with historical context, explaining that the amphitheater was a centerpiece of Roman entertainment and social life. I found it fascinating to learn about the daily lives of Romans and how important these spaces were to their civilization.
Additionally, we explored the ruins of the Roman circus, where chariot races once took place. Walking through the ruins, I imagined the energy of the massive crowds and what it must have felt like to witness these events. One of the most interesting aspects of the visit was recognizing how much Roman influence still exists in modern Spain.
Something I have learned while studying abroad in Spain is that big cities start to feel smaller once you get used to them. Now that I have been in Barcelona for about five weeks, I feel comfortable navigating the city to get to class. I am learning so much, and I absolutely love Barcelona!
Christopher Johns
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Program: IES Barcelona