Caroline Sende
Wharton ’26
ESG & Entrepreneurship
SA: Ramon Llull University (ESADE)
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As a native English speaker and proficient French speaker, I arrived in Barcelona knowing only a couple of Spanish phrases. I was surprised to discover that Catalan was the dominant language in daily life. At corner stores, instead of saying “buenos días,” I quickly learned to say “bon dia!” This immersion made learning a new language both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What made my experience truly special was my willingness to embrace what I didn’t know. Rather than letting fear of making mistakes hold me back, I approached every interaction with eagerness and curiosity. The locals noticed this and were always willing to help me learn, which made me feel welcomed and encouraged.
If other students ask me for advice, I’d tell them that replacing fear of not knowing with a genuine eagerness to learn will make their cultural experience much more enriching. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The local community members are always willing to help, and you’ll gain so much more than just language skills. My time in Barcelona taught me that the best way to connect with a new place is to fully embrace its unique culture and language, even if it’s unfamiliar at first.
My Experience Abroad
At Wharton, my studies focus on understanding people’s needs and designing impactful solutions, work that requires genuine cultural awareness and empathy. Studying abroad in Barcelona and traveling throughout Europe and Africa provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in a rich mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Each country I visited challenged me to adapt, whether I was learning to greet someone in Arabic, Wolof, or Maltese, or navigating unique local customs.
This real-world immersion offered lessons that no classroom could replicate. It sharpened my emotional intelligence and gave me a nuanced appreciation for how deeply culture influences people’s perspectives, aspirations, and challenges. These insights are invaluable in business, where creating meaningful change depends on a deep connection and understanding of the communities you aim to serve.
Ultimately, my time abroad has not only enriched my academic journey but also reinforced my professional purpose: to develop solutions that are truly people-centered and globally relevant. I am deeply grateful for how these experiences have shaped my growth, both as a student and as a human being aiming to make the world a better place, one proposed solution at a time.
Other Highlights
One of my biggest highlights from studying abroad was meeting other exchange students at ESADE. I never expected to form such deep connections, but our group became so close that we decided to get permanent matching bracelets, each with our initials and a color for the Powerpuff Girl we matched personality-wise (can you guess which one I am?). These friendships mean so much to me, and I genuinely plan to keep connecting with them long after the program.
Another unforgettable experience was my trip to Morocco with a couple of friends. We camped in the Sahara Desert, went sandboarding on the dunes, and spent the night stargazing. It was surreal to see not just stars, but actual planets in the sky. Our tour guide told us to always live in the moment, and that advice has stuck with me. I try to remind myself every day to be present and soak it all in.
But honestly, my favorite highlight was my side trip to Senegal, the home of teranga, or hospitality. As a Cameroonian-American, being back on African soil gave me this deep sense of pride and familiarity. The minute I stepped off the plane, I felt right at home. Saly, with its gorgeous beaches, felt like heaven on earth, and the people were so full of culture, respect, and life. I loved being welcomed into their community and tasting their Thieboudienne. In my opinion, they won the Jolof Wars! Senegal truly has my heart, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.
