Josue Ruiz

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jdruiz@sas.upenn.edu

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One unique aspect of my experience in Barcelona was participating in English conversation groups with locals who were working to improve their conversational skills. These sessions were an incredible way to connect with people from the community while also reflecting on the shared challenge of language acquisition. As someone striving to improve my Spanish, I found these exchanges especially meaningful—they created a space for cultural and linguistic exchange where both parties learned from each other. These conversations not only helped me build relationships but also deepened my appreciation for the patience, effort, and vulnerability involved in learning a language.
Another distinctive part of my program was the weekend trips around Catalunya, which allowed me to situate my studies within the region’s rich cultural and historical context. Visiting places like Girona, Figueres, and Tossa de Mar helped me explore Catalunya beyond Barcelona, giving me a broader understanding of the local culture and its connection to Catalan history and identity. These trips enriched my academic and personal journey, tying together my coursework and daily life in the city.
Combining these experiences with taking all my courses in Spanish provided a truly immersive environment. Navigating linguistic and cultural challenges—whether through structured classes, local conversations, or regional exploration—made this semester unforgettable. If you’re curious about integrating language acquisition, cultural exchange, and academics into one cohesive experience, my time in Barcelona offers plenty of insights.

My Experience Abroad:

During my study abroad semester in Barcelona, I had the unique opportunity to take a Quantum Physics course entirely in Spanish while immersing myself in the local culture. This experience not only reinforced my Physics major but also aligned with my academic goal of completing a minor in Hispanic Studies. Taking all my courses in Spanish, including such a technical subject, challenged me to bridge language and scientific thinking. It required adapting my learning strategies and building technical vocabulary, which ultimately strengthened both my academic and linguistic abilities.

Studying in Barcelona also fulfilled a personal goal of improving my Spanish fluency. Being a native Spanish speaker with Salvadoran and Honduran roots, I had long desired to deepen my connection to the language in a formal academic setting. Beyond the classroom, interacting daily with locals, exploring Catalan culture, and engaging in Spanish traditions significantly enhanced my fluency and confidence.
Professionally, this experience honed my adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills, which are critical for my aspiration to work in globally oriented fields like engineering or research. Balancing a rigorous Quantum Physics course while immersing myself in a new academic and cultural environment demonstrated my commitment to interdisciplinary growth and global engagement. This semester was not just an academic endeavor; it was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally by combining my passions for science, language, and cultural exploration.

Other Highlights:

One highlight of my study abroad experience was meeting locals through English conversation groups. These sessions provided a unique opportunity to connect with Barcelona residents while exchanging cultural perspectives and navigating the shared challenge of language learning. It was rewarding to help others improve their English while simultaneously practicing my Spanish in day-to-day interactions.
Another highlight was making meaningful friendships within my program. Sharing this immersive experience with a diverse group of students allowed me to form lasting connections as we explored Barcelona together, supported each other through academic challenges, and embraced the excitement of living in a new city.
Exploring Barcelona itself was an unforgettable aspect of my semester. From strolling through the Gothic Quarter to relaxing on Barceloneta Beach and cycling along Poblenou, every corner of the city offered something new to discover. The vibrant mix of history, modernity, and Catalan culture made every day an adventure.
A fourth highlight was experiencing a new structure of education. Taking all my courses in Spanish pushed me to adapt and grow academically in ways I never anticipated.
Finally, traveling to other cities in Europe added another layer of exploration to my experience. Weekend trips to places like Paris and Amsterdam gave me a broader appreciation for European history and cultures, enriching my time abroad even further.
Together, these moments made my semester in Barcelona transformative, both personally and academically.