Finding Independence Abroad: A Semester of Growth in Barcelona

By Natalie McNeely
January 28, 2026

One of my favorite parts of studying abroad in Barcelona in the spring of 2025 was the little daily moments. Every day, I walked about 20 minutes to my internship, and the route was lined with orange trees and green spaces. It became a relaxing, almost meditative start to my day. Those walks and having my lunch in a new park or area of the city every day gave me a small sense of independence that I hadn’t fully experienced before, and they really set the tone for a semester of exploring a new city, discovering different cultures, and navigating life on my own.

While I took three classes and completed an internship for three credits, the highlight of my time in Spain was truly being able to travel and experience new ways of living. Immersing myself in Barcelona’s neighborhoods, markets, and local routines showed me how different daily life can be in another culture, and I loved every bit of it.

Alongside this, I worked as a Sustainability Research Intern with Sustainability Worldwide Center 2050, a startup organization focused on global sustainability initiatives. My internship involved research, attending international conferences, and connecting with professionals from around the world to learn about their companies’ sustainability practices. I also worked with two other American college interns studying in Barcelona through different programs, which made the experience collaborative and supportive.

One of the most memorable days of my semester was attending a large international technology conference. The space was massive and fast-paced, and I spent the day navigating crowds, starting conversations, and interviewing attendees about sustainability efforts within their organizations. It was definitely intimidating at first, but by the end of the day, I felt proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging confidently in such an international, professional setting.

Working in a startup office abroad also came with challenges. Many of my coworkers spoke Catalan, which I was unfamiliar with, and I communicated mostly online with my supervisor rather than in person. Adapting to a corporate office setting in another country pushed me to become more independent, manage my own deadlines, and communicate with a wide range of people. These skills have continued to help me in recent seasonal jobs and new work environments.

Although this experience helped confirm that my long-term interests align more closely with environmental education and land stewardship, I’m incredibly grateful for what I learned during my internship. Studying abroad allowed me to better understand what I value personally and professionally, and I find myself reflecting on my time in Spain often. The support from the Barcelona SAE staff, especially Julia Manor, played a huge role in helping me navigate this experience.
For any Ripon student considering studying abroad in Barcelona, my advice would be to try something new and not be afraid to challenge yourself. These opportunities are truly unique, and they can shape not only your future goals but also how you see the world.