Florence Onyiuke

Contact

fonyiuke@wharton.upenn.edu

Ask Me About…

Students should ask me about navigating identity abroad, conducting field research, traveling with intention, and budgeting on a student income. As a Black student in Spain, I experienced unique cultural dynamics and found ways to stay grounded and build community. I also conducted independent research on West African street vendors in Barcelona, balancing academics with fieldwork. Throughout my time abroad, I prioritized meaningful travel and cultural engagement over checking off destinations, all while learning how to manage a tight budget. I’m happy to share more about any of these experiences!

My Experience Abroad

During my time abroad, I took courses in Spanish History, Political Economy, and Anthropology that fulfilled both my Area Studies and International Studies requirements for the Huntsman major. Beyond coursework, I independently proposed and began field research for my senior thesis on migrant labor in Barcelona. This involved conducting interviews with street vendors, engaging with local university faculty (at UB and UAB), speaking with officials at the Ajuntament de Barcelona, and connecting with labor syndicates. I initiated and pursued these efforts on my own, driven by my passion for international economic development and my goal of producing a thesis with real-world impact. This experience deepened my academic understanding while sharpening the research, language, and cross-cultural skills that will support my long-term ambition of working at the intersection of policy and global development.

Other Highlights

In no particular order, four highlights from my time abroad are:

• Taking my first solo trip to Rome during the Catholic Jubilee Year
• Attending my first FC Barcelona game and joining the street parade when they won La Liga
• Visiting the Top Manta taller (workshop) and learning about their organizing efforts for manteros across the city
• Traveling to London to visit friends also studying abroad