My name is Mary Ann Szypko and I am in the class of 2014 at Emmanuel College, studying Business Management with a minor in Communications. Studying abroad was always something I spoke of but never thought would actually happen. Fast forward to January 6th, 2013. I was a nervous wreck boarding a plane off to Barcelona, Spain for spring semester of my junior year. I had never traveled out of the U.S., did not know of anyone else in my program, and did not speak Spanish very well, past the elementary vocab. Boarding that plane and starting the journey may have been one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever experienced, but by the end of my time in Barcelona, it became the most fulfilling, fun, and life changing experience I would not change for the world. I was very hesitant to choose to live with a host family because of how poor my Spanish was, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my semester. Rosí helped me with my Spanish while my roommate Katie (from the University of Kentucky) and myself would help her with her English. Our home cooked meals every night were delicious, eye opening, and really became “family time.” Contrary to what many say, the workload is still very present. I was required to take 5 classes (one being a Spanish class). Although homework, projects and tests are still very present, being in a foreign country waiting to be explored becomes a great motivator to stay on top of your work so there is free time to explore the city, travel and meet people! On that note…travel, travel, travel! Although it was important for me to plant my feet in Barcelona and stick around for some weekends I also wanted to take advantage of being in Europe, the cheap flights, and exploring so many different worlds I had only known in my imagination. While abroad I traveled to Rome, Nice, Monaco, London, Dublin, Galway, Madrid, Paris, and Morocco. Whether these travels were through programs, or just with a few friends every free moment was utilized to see and do everything there was to do! Let me tell you it’s tiring, but so incredibly worth it.
Although I traveled a lot, my heart and home became Barcelona. The city and people could not have shown me a more cultured, fun, and loving experience. When describing to my friends the city I would say I live near the mountains, near Tibidabo and Parc Guel, but take classes by the ocean. Really it was an all-encompassing place. The architecture, Guadi everywhere!, history, art, food, nightlife, and shopping never ceased to amaze me. One of the pride and joys of the Catalans (Barcelona is part of the region of Catalunya) is the fútbol team, FC Barcelona. I was able to experience this first hand, the first week there. I, along with many other students in the program, signed up for tickets and a cocktail hour before. The game was not by any means a big one or against a great team but we sat front row! It was truly an amazing experience, being able to be front and center to some of the best sportsmen in the world, and hear and take part in the chants and pride the people hold in the team.
EC Study Abroad Alumni 