I am in mourning. I sit here in this building that has so quickly become my home, next to a friend that has begun to feel like family, which terrifies me. I search my mind for the words and definitions for every emotion I am feeling and beg it to form sentences that could convey just what these past three weeks have meant to me. I feel betrayed by my own heart, for allowing myself to become so attached to this place and these nine people so quickly. 

Barcelona was never somewhere I felt called to. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea and a last-minute decision. I supposed the timing was right, a big adventure to kick off my senior year. I thought three weeks would be long enough to enjoy sites and not get too homesick. However, I was not prepared for the way I would be impacted by this city, as though I were hit by a city bus full of emotions and excitement. 

From the vibrant buildings, old and new, to the passion for food, music, and culture, I was at home. I fell in love with each part of the city and all the unique characteristics it has. I woke up excited to uncover some hidden gem the locals love or see something touristy and obvious, eager to savor every sound, smell, or meal that was always served with pride and care. Barcelona taught me more about myself in three weeks than I had ever learned in three years of college. 

I yearn for the smell of the streets, the aroma of damp cobblestones and cigarettes. I long for the independence and peace I found even as I stood amongst massive crowds of people, all going about their day. I ache for a two-dollar coffee and croissant before heading to class, feeling inspired by the world and peers around me. 

Each person is different, contrasting against the others, yet so similar you can predict their next move. And each person has found themselves in love, ready to move and die for this city that we have inhabited for three weeks. We know the metro lines like the veins under our skin, always drumming quietly in us. We frequent our favorite spots, drinking from fountains and pretending to be locals so that one day our wish may come true. We venture to unknown places on unplanned outings and journey together in unison, laughing at each wrong turn and stopping for every coffee, photo, or random gift shop. 

I haven’t had many opportunities to connect with people in this way; I have always found new friendships to be fleeting and temporary once you leave your childhood bubble. But with this particular group, I feel a connection that just might last forever. To my familia, words aren’t enough to express how much I love each of you, and can’t wait until we are all together in Barcelona again.

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Students studying abroad are often told they will experience some amount of culture shock. The different languages and foods may initially be overwhelming and are often warned of homesickness. But for me, this has not been the case. While discovering how to get around and practicing a few phrases in Spanish have been a learning curve, I have realized that most of the cultural differences here actually make more sense.

Barcelona is a big, bustling city filled with tourists and people from all over. It’s a cultural hotspot, and despite the number of people in the city, the streets remain fairly clean. This is partially due to the fact that on every street you will find multiple containers designated for each variety of recycling. Barcelona also has a custom of recycling bags for purchases, most of them being paper or canvas. The practice of utilizing recyclable products is very common, and this helps to eliminate litter. It’s these environmentally conscious efforts that help keep one of the busiest, oldest cities clean.

Students traveling abroad are also warned of jet lag. But the time zone change did not stand out to me nearly as much as the meal times in Barcelona did. Dinner starts after 8 pm, much later in the evening than I am used to. Businesses are open later and some don’t close until sunrise. This stood out to me so significantly, because I can’t even order a Happy Meal from my usual McDonalds past 10 pm.

I would say that the locals are quieter and more reserved than any American you meet. Often times I find our group laughing and having a good time, only when the laughter dies do you realize how quiet the room is. We constantly remind ourselves to be on our best behavior and to not be “typical Americans”. It’s not as though the locals are quiet out of reservation, but more out of peacefulness. They sit quietly at patio tables, sipping their drinks and pensively people-watching. You can always tell who is a local and who is a tourist because of this.

Another huge thing I have loved is the availability of public transportation. At first, I was hesitant to ride the metro or any bus, but after living here for a week I have come to realize how helpful it truly is. I have fallen in love with morning metro rides, accompanied by my cappuccino and croissant. I love the simple act of inserting my ticket into the slot and walking through the gate as if part of me belongs here. Lining the streets are motorbikes waiting for someone to rent them, and taxis ready to take you home.

Barcelona is such an innovative city, that strives to make environmentally sound efforts and maintain historic sites while keeping up with technological advancements. I think more than anything I appreciated the combination of old and new buildings, all covered in street art and embracing individuality. Every day you discover something new and unique to Barcelona’s culture.

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Leaving is hard, goodbyes are difficult, but the process of going through airport security and experiencing jet lag after a trip is borderline inhumane. My flight was two days later than the rest of my classmates so I got the opportunity to spend more time getting to know Barcelona. I stayed at a hostel for my final days and I got to meet a lot of cool people from different countries. I met a guy from the Ukraine who talked on the phone very loudly and had a questionable sleep schedule, but he was nice so who am I to judge? I got acquainted with a guy from Australia who came in really late one night and puked his guts out (poor guy). I listened to a guy from Switzerland’s interesting perspective on life who told me about how the Swiss army had a hard job despite being a neutral country because they have to fight for their neutrality. And I befriended three students from Luxembourg who were celebrating their graduation despite failing their math final (they have to retake the final on Monday… good luck guys). These connections made me feel less alone after my peers that I spent three weeks with departed. I spent my last day taking a day trip to Sitges, a small beach town outside of Barcelona. I felt very responsible and adult getting there and back without getting lost (I’m twenty-one and severely directionally challenged). The city and beach were beautiful and it was a nice way to reflect on everything I had experienced throughout my trip. The next morning my cab took me to the airport where the dread of going through security and customs set in. I went through security and customs a total of three times. I flew from Barcelona to London to Fort Lauderdale and finally Atlanta. I was physically and emotionally exhausted and I fully believed I was in purgatory at one point. TSA Agents being comically rude is an international experience. It’s almost like it’s a part of their job requirements to give you the worst experience possible. The line for customs in Fort Lauderdale was longer than a line at Disney in the middle of summer on a Saturday after refusing to buy a fastpass. If my flight to Atlanta had not been delayed several times I would have definitely missed my flight. When I finally made it back home I was tempted to kiss the ground and sing the national anthem. Despite all of that I would experience it all again in a heartbeat if it meant I could travel back to my new favorite city, Barcelona.

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While abroad I’ve had many opportunities to try new dishes outside of my comfort zone. When we first arrived we ate at several sit down restaurants with large and extravagant menus. My classmates and I ate an assortment of Tapas, pizzas, and pastas. It was quality food but the prices were a bit higher than I would have liked. One day I had the urge to venture out and started wandering around the block near residence hall to see what street foods I would enjoy. That is when I discovered the magnificent joy of El Mano Doner Kebab Restaurant located not even ten minutes away from our dormitory. I first experienced Doner Kebab last spring when I visited Berlin. The meal was quite excellent but it was nothing compared to the Kebab I experienced at El Mano. When I first walked in I was greeted by a welcoming smile from Hasan who showed me the menu and the affordable prices it had to offer. I ordered the pita kebab for €4.75 and it was the best purchase I made all trip. The dish consists of pita bread stuffed with shredded chicken and lamb topped with veggies, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki drizzled with hot sauce that welded all the flavors together perfectly. I knew I was going to be a regular for the duration of my trip after my first bite. The very next day I was back and I brought my roommate, Mason, to show him what all the hubbub was about. He soon saw the light and was hooked and understood my knack for being right. The day after that I arrived with an army (the rest of my class). They were all skeptical and believed I was just another boy crying wolf, however, after they sank their canines into the tender lamb wrapped in a fluffy wheat blanket they came to the realization that my words were no mere fable. We now miss and mourn the reality of not being able to eat kebabs of the same caliber back in the states. But we don’t cry because we hunger. We smile because we tasted.

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For the past two years, I have been studying communications and criminal justice, hoping one day I would eventually have a job in homeland security. For years, I thought I had wanted work within that field. I have thought of many other careers as well, such as things like biologist and neonatal nurse. However, I never would have thought I might want to become an English teacher–in a different country.

When I first saw there was a communications trip to Barcelona, Spain, I applied not thinking much of it. I just thought things like “well, I could go, but it wouldn’t be a big deal to not.” I originally only had the thought lingering, and was not for sure about my decision. Eventually, I decided I wanted to fully commit and go, and I am so happy and thankful I did.

I remember getting to the airport and seeing everyone together for the first time, the group immediately clicked. I knew at this moment that this was going to be a wonderful trip. However, I did not realize that the whole career path I have been working towards would change.

When we had our first tour, with Patrick Reyes, he noted how he decided to move to Barcelona for a year to see how he liked it, but never really came back home. He also talked about how he became an English teacher in Barcelona, and that was kind of the start of his new life in Barcelona. When I heard him say that, I thought about it for a second and thought that would be cool and interesting. However, I did not think that I would have enjoyed the thought of it as much as I did.

The rest of the trip, I thought about becoming an English teacher for children in Barcelona. Everywhere I looked, I could see myself living, eating or shopping there everyday. I became more and more comfortable with the city, and began seeing myself there even more. We even walked by an English school for kids, and all I could imagine was myself working there someday.

As soon as I got on the plane to come home, I emailed my advisor. I asked her about adding a Spanish minor to my degree. I hope to become fluent in Spanish by minoring in it. I also want to move to Barcelona after graduating to help me learn even more. If I am familiar with a lot of the language, being around other people who only speak Spanish would help me become more fluent.

Barcelona brought me many, many things. It not only brought me friendships that will last a lifetime, but it also showed me what I really want to do in life. I will always be thankful for what this trip has brought me, and I will definitely be back in Barcelona one day.

-Calista

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“We do not remember days, we remember moments.”― Cesare Pavese

There have been many goodbyes to Barcelona. I hope one day to return, I hope sooner than later.  But, as the title says this is where I will say my last goodbye, for now.

In the time I was in Barcelona I never really thought about the end. 

It feels like in memory recalling the trip it’s like I got off the plane and experienced another life for one long day and then came back. I’ve started back at work and mostly have gotten back into my routine now. It feels truly distant at times.

The red roofs, the tan facades of buildings and the cobble paths. The clear water of the Mediterranean and the street lamps with gentle beams that shine and illuminate the night. The slight screech of the metro as it brakes for passengers. They all seem from a borrowed life.

I try whenever I’m on vacation to soak in the most of a place, so maybe it won’t feel so far away when I come back, but it truly is an impossible task.  

 Barcelona truly for me is a moment in time that is unforgettable, because of the scenery, the people that came with me on this trip and the unique look into Barcelona through our workshops. 

I can get melancholy about it all, if I think about it too much, Then again I could about most things too. 

This trip and experience was an era. It was possibly my last true uni summer trip. After this summer, I’ll be entering my last year in Undergraduate and then likely graduating into the world. I don’t know where exactly, I’ll work or even live and that can be stressful. I know it will work out, but there are so many things I would like to do and so many things I’d like to be. 

The Transit of life never stops. The train from Barcelona has left and now I am left with the door of possibilities. I will remember the borrowed life and I will remember the dreams I had in wake. Where I go now, I am not sure, but I can’t wait.

Barna Dreaming forever,

Oliver

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On May 30th, ten college students made the long journey to you with hopes of experiencing something new, something different. We were ten people that came from different worlds, backgrounds, and friend groups. We experienced you for twenty-one days. None of us knew how the group would fit in with each other. Would there be cliques? Would there be drama? It was one big question to everyone. But none of us would’ve guessed that one special place can bring people together in a way that nothing else can.

You created a family, Barcelona. A family that laughs together, laughs at each other, makes sure that everyone feels seen and heard, and most importantly, loves one another. You gave us some of the best experiences that we’ll still be talking about ten years down the road. You showed us your beautiful architecture, gifted us with blue skies and summer heat, let us experience your amazing food that we’ll be dreaming about, and immersed us into your beautiful culture.

Every day brought something new; new adventure, new chaos, and more and more love for you. From exploring the city to playing board games in the common room, we still could never wrap our heads around the fact that we were lucky enough to be with you. You made us sweat buckets every day. You made our feet throb all of the time. You made us feel exhausted like no other. But would we change any part of that? No. You gave us the kind of happiness that many dream about. And you were a dream, Barcelona. You gave us so much. But the best gift you could’ve ever given us was each other. You brought ten people together that probably would’ve never met or spoken outside of you. You bonded us for life. And for that, I thank you. We left our hearts with you. But don’t worry, we’ll be back, Barcelona.

With all my love,

Jordan

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About half way through our UTC communications study abroad trip, we took a cooking class. Our group of 10 plus our professor and resident director met with a chef to make tapas and empanadas. We were split into groups to contribute to making different parts of the meal, where we sliced bread and peppers, fried omelets, folded empanadas, stirred sauces and mixed everything to produce a strange variety of options that went surprisingly well together. 

We left the cooking class with full bellies and smiles on our faces, but before that, our professor, Dr. Anthony Cepak, was teaching us how cooking relates to design. He said, “You take things that don’t seem like they would go together and you find ways to blend them.”

While he was referring to cooking and design, I thought about our group and the trip as a whole. We’re all very different and every workshop and assignment has been very different, but it’s all come together to create one perfect mixture. 

Cepak spent years planning our Barcelona study abroad trip. He scouted for locations and made connections before the coronavirus pandemic hit, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that the trip happened. Cepak specifically looked for ways to get students out into the city to explore its culture and heritage while connecting the role design plays in Barcelona’s make-up. 

Looking at the itinerary for the first time was overwhelming, but by the end of the trip, I could see how each creative element we touched, from film photography to cooking, all tied back to design in some form or fashion. In the broad scope of design, everything can be connected, it’s just a matter of how. 

In the process of assembling the unique mash-up of activities that made the itinerary, Cepak taught us the process of making design elements connect while bringing a small group of vastly different students together to do it.

Calista Bellar is always ready for an adventure. She’s a fun, fast-talking girl full of energy and passion with a great sense of humor.

Emily Redden is such a sweet friend to have. From her constant love and support to her feisty, can-do attitude, she brings a dependable and contagious amount of energy to the group.

Jaheim Williams can befriend anyone and do whatever he sets his mind to. He can always make you laugh and help you realize that no matter what you’re doing, you can find a way to have fun.

Jordan Harris radiates and inspires confidence. Acting like no one is watching, she is always enthusiastic and independent with a smile on her face.

Kate Hodge will have your back no matter what. Whether you need chewing gum or a shoulder to cry on, you can always count on her to be there for you.

Kinslee Green stays optimistic and genuine even when the going gets tough. She’s a go-getter working to make the most of every moment while staying true to herself.

Mason Eagle is a bit of a mystery and it takes time to get to know him. However, when needed, he’s sure to step up and he’s always ready to eat.

Oliver Lampley is always ready to have a good time and not afraid to fly solo. He’s a goofball and a sweetheart who’s always striving to learn and try something new.

Trevor Rogers is also known as the shepherd of our group because there is no way we would have made it anywhere in Barcelona without him. He’s quiet, protective, and a good listener who always knows what to do.

And then there is me: Bethany Cothran- a creative introvert always trying to keep up and make sure no one gets left behind.

Our group is as different as each item in a recipe, but when we come together, we’re always smiling and laughing. Separately we couldn’t be more far apart, but put us in the same room and the rest of the world disappears. 

This study abroad trip is called The Creative Journey. We’re constantly looking for how things connect and how they impact our journey, but the biggest design element influencing not just us but every human being is ourselves. As Trevor put it, it’s all a little overwhelming, but it’s also wonderful. We are our best friends and our worst enemies, but when put in the right place with the right people, we become a perfectly imperfect mixture of ingredients.

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It’s all a bit overwhelming. But it’s all a bit wonderful, isn’t it?

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