Jada Johnson’s Barcelona Journey

I studied abroad with Barcelona SAE during the Spring 2026 semester because I had always felt there was more of the world I wanted to experience beyond my everyday life in small-town Wisconsin. I did not want to simply read about different places or watch videos online; instead I wanted to experience them in person by meeting new people, trying new foods, and seeing what life looked like in another part of the world. As a second-semester senior at Ripon College, I felt confident taking that step because Ripon had prepared and supported me throughout the process.
Unlike my Ripon students that I traveled with on this trip, I decided not to pursue an internship while abroad because I wanted more time to fully immerse myself in the experience of living in another country and exploring different cultures. Outside of academics, I spent much of my time exploring Barcelona and traveling throughout Europe. During the semester, I was fortunate enough to visit eight additional countries, which became one of the most rewarding parts of my experience overall. My favorite memory is definitely taking a solo trip to Scotland, where I had to navigate unfamiliar places entirely on my own. While challenging at times, the experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and helped me grow tremendously in confidence, adaptability, problem-solving, and independence.

At the same time, I was able to continue my ROTC education remotely through the Fox Valley Battalion while abroad and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army after returning home. One of my biggest personal goals has always been becoming more confident in myself and my abilities, especially as I prepare for a future in Army leadership, and studying abroad helped me grow in those areas more than I expected. The experience strengthened many of the leadership and decision-making skills that are important not only in military service, but also in everyday life, while teaching me how important adaptability and communication are when navigating unfamiliar situations and meeting people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Although these skills may seem simple on the surface, they become much more meaningful when you are placed in entirely new environments and forced to step outside of your comfort zone. Through my time abroad, I became more independent, open-minded, and confident in my ability to handle challenges on my own, which is something I will carry with me both personally and professionally.
More than anything, studying abroad gave me a much broader understanding of the world and helped me grow in ways that cannot be replicated in a classroom. I came home with more confidence in myself, a greater appreciation for different cultures, and experiences I never imagined I would have. For any Ripon student considering studying abroad in Barcelona, I would encourage them to take the leap into the unknown. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from stepping away from what is familiar, and Ripon does a great job preparing students to succeed in opportunities like this.