With a heavy heart, I’m said to say this our last stop on this Global Health journey. But I’m happy to announce our final stop is certainly a show-stopper full of food, flamenco, and architecture. Welcome to Barcelona!

Barcelona is the second biggest city in Spain, but we did our best trying to explore the city in just two days. First up on the agenda: the magnificent La Sagrada Familia.

Although many of peers were not excited to go on yet another historical architecture tour, I was positively antsy. Transparently, I had been counting down the days to see this basilica. It was my singular must-see in Spain; it’s been my #1 item on my bucket list for over three years. And seeing it with my own eyes? Even more impressive than I ever imagined.

Antoni Gaudí can be felt throughout the entire city of Barcelona, with the Sagrada Familia being his most memorable creation. Another must-see in Barcelona by Gaudí is Park Guell. This park was supposed to be a residential community for the affluent in Barcelona, but was never finished so now it’s a very popular tourist destination, and for good reason. Every piece of architecture felt otherworldly, as if I had walked in the world of the famous board game Candy Land. As someone with a soft spot for architecture, Barcelona was a dream city.

One thing Barcelona was not a dream city for? Walking as the primary mode of transportation. Our hotel was about 40 minutes by bus from the central area of the city, meaning we had to navigate the bus and subway system. As someone from a very rural town who had never been on a subway system, I was scared. With the help of my professor and peers, not only did we successfully take the subway system, but I learned how to navigate it completely on my own.

We took the subway system to a lecture to a philanthropical global health organization focused on promoting women’s health. Listening to these women talk about their lives, impact to global health, and mission statement was inspirational in a multitude of ways. Not only were they strong representations of powerful women, but they also showed me that the job market is a global one; I can find a career wherever I want in the world. This was truly a life-altering realization.

Last but not least, I can’t say I’ve been to Barcelona unless I mention the food and culture. As a part of the program, we attended a world-class flamenco show full of fast movements, beautiful dresses, and soothing Spanish guitar. After the show, we went out to a paella dinner followed by a Catalan cream dessert. Both the paella and dessert were delicious, with the Catalan cream reminding me of the creaminess and crunchiness of crème brûlée.

And with that, my study abroad experience is over. But how I changed as a person will last for a lifetime. The entire study abroad experience taught me far more than just about global health. I learned about cultural differences in two different countries, how to navigate the world when I don’t speak the language, and how to balance fun and exploration with academic dedication. But the changes I felt the most on this trip were highlighted during my time in Barcelona. Barcelona showed me I am capable of being independent, even when across the world from everything I’ve ever known. I now know I can exist in a city on my own. This confidence was pivotally helpful when I solo-traveled to Valencia immediately following the close of our study abroad program

In conjunction with my new found confidence, the realization I can make a difference anywhere in the world has pushed me to consider living and working abroad in the future.

So, if in 2-3 years you happen to wonder “I wonder what Ali is up to,” make sure to look farther than just the United States. After all, there’s so much more world to see, lessons to learn, and life to be experienced.

Thank you for coming with me on Global Health journey. I am so grateful for this experience and the life-changing effects it will have on me for years to come.

¡Gracias y adios!