Penn Abroad Ambassador Saya Desai

portrait
CAS '25
Political Science
SA: CASA: Barcelona
sayades@sas.upenn.edu
Program
Study Abroad (SA)

Program:

  • SA: CASA: Barcelona

Ask me about...

  • planning weekend trips (use https://gtgabroad.com/)

  • taking classes in a different language

  • creating a routine in a new city

  • or anything else!

My Experience Abroad:

As a Spanish minor, taking all my classes in Spanish during my study abroad in Barcelona was really the pinnacle of my language studies. While the classes significantly enhanced my fluency, it also allowed me to fully immerse myself in the language and culture. As a Political Science major, taking classes related to democratic change and political education in Spain added another layer to my academic journey. Analyzing politics from a European perspective -- and specifically in the context of Catalonia’s unique political landscape -- helped enrich my understanding of how political theories can be applied in real world contexts and globally. Aside from Political Science, I also had the opportunity to take electives outside my primary field of study. I ended up enrolling in courses like Communications and Art History. These subjects had long piqued my curiosity and only until studying abroad did I have the time and space in my schedule to take them.

Overall, studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made. At Penn, life moves fast. The constant pace of classes and extracurriculars can feel overwhelming. Studying abroad was the one time I felt like I could slow down, linger, and truly take in everything around me. This experience taught me to be more present, reflective, and open to growth in ways I couldn't even imagine.

Other Highlights:

  • Making new Penn friends I hadn’t even met before -- instantly connecting made the experience even better.

  • Swimming in the Barcelona ocean felt like summer arrived early thanks to the warm spring weather.

  • Eating my body weight in potatoes -- patatas bravas, patatas fritas, tortilla española... the list goes on.

  • Having my family visit! Showing them around my new city felt was so special.

  • Experiencing such a range in travel -- from freezing in Switzerland’s winter to soaking up the sun in Mallorca’s summer -- was an amazing contrast all in one semester

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