Reflecting on Barcelona

July 6, 2019

I returned back to the United States about a week ago and I have had plenty of time to reflect on my exchange in Barcelona. Looking back on the trip, I learned lots of important lessons and experienced many new situations. It was my first time ever traveling alone with no one else that I knew and at first that was a scary thought to me. I did encounter many set backs on my journey there and back, but once I arrived in Barcelona I felt like I could do anything because I had managed to survive a 6 hour and 8 hour flight by myself. I felt a little uncomfortable during my first couple of days which I imagine is normal because I was living with a family who I had never met before. But towards the end of my trip, I started really feeling like a part of their family. They really cared about how I was doing and if I was having fun or not.

I noticed that living in a completely new place does not only affect the way I now see the world but my personality and who I am. There are so many factors that go into my familiar life at home but during exchange, almost all those factors are totally changed. In Spain I had different parents, ate different food, had different living accommodations and a different city to explore. Throughout this trip, I started to change. All these outside factors that I had little control over where affecting me in different ways. I had to learn how to deal with new things such as eating dinner really late. I started to see another side of me and I realized that my personality is composed of many things. My emotions and actions are influenced by my lifestyle and physical location. I believe that when my exchange student comes to visit that it will be a completely new experience for both of us because we will both be different people because of the new physical factors influencing us and our actions. 

Lastly, I really owe this entire experience to my parents and teachers. My parents encouraged me to do exchange as they both participated in it during their time in college and high school. My teachers, Spanish in particular, taught me so much and allowed me to be comfortable using a new language in a foreign country. I would also like to thank my host family for making this an unforgettable experience!

La Sagrada Familia

View from the Plane

Farewell Dinner with Laia

An Amazing Experience That I Would Definitely Recommend!

Armin Hamrah

             I had an amazing time and a unforgettable experience on my exchange program this summer. Visiting Nantes, France had many beneficial outcomes that will help me for the rest of my life. For example, hearing all fluent french speakers in France has enriched my french accent, which will help me for many years to come. I also made many friends in Nantes, so if I ever plan on visiting France again, I can stop by in Nantes to see all my friends I made (most importantly my exchange partner, Melvil). I furthermore learned many more French words, developing my French vocabulary.
            Although this may not make sense, I additionally got used to being challenged when speaking, and as a result, I got used to this manner. Nowadays, I use a more complex vocabulary when speaking and writing, as I am used to having to think about what I communicate longer that I did before. On top of these benefits, I also became more independent, which is a useful skill that will serve me well as I am transferring into high school in a couple of weeks. I certainly enjoyed my exchange program experience, and absolutely recommend for anyone debating whether or not to participate in the Sacred Heart Prep summer exchange program!

¡Hola Barcelona!

     My flight for Barcelona is tomorrow, and I have a lot to do between now and then! I had a busy couple of days (summer school final was due, championship swim meet, and swim team awards dinner), but I could not be more excited for my trip. Over the course of the past week, my mom and I have been gathering things I will need for the trip, both round the house and at the drugstore. We have made sure that I have all of the random items that are nearly always forgotten, like a converter, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray,  and appropriate chargers for my phone and laptop. I was also able to complete a couple of online shopping purchases, ordering new clothes and shoes for the trip. We also purchased/picked up gifts for my host family, including a Menlo Park candle, SHP gear, California coffee table books, and more. My suitcase is nearly full to the brim, but I am confident that I am prepared for nearly anything that could happen while in Barcelona. In addition, my family has given me envelopes and packages to open while I travel abroad. Also, last night I got the very best surprise. Two of my best friends stopped by my house with fresh baked cookies and a letter to say goodbye before I left! It made my day, and I was sure to tuck their letter in my suitcase.
     My exchange partner, Laia, and I have been communicating using instagram and whatsapp in an effort to get to know each other and talk about expectations for the trip. She gave me advice about what to pack, and laid out a rough schedule of what we are going to do in Spain. We have been talking a couple of times a week since early February, and I could not be more excited to finally meet her in person! I have had limited contact with the rest of her family (parents and younger brother), but my mom has been emailing with Laia’s mom, discussing the logistical side of the trip. As much as I love summer in California and the amazing experiences that come with it, part of why I am so excited for my exchange is to get away from everything for a couple of weeks. I’m ready to meet new people and enjoy the time/space to decompress from the hectic pace of Silicon Valley. Also, more obviously, I can’t wait to be in Spain and practice my Spanish! I have never visited Spain before (but have always wanted to) and have been taking Spanish classes for 12-ish years. I think that I have been prepared well, learning about the culture and language of Spain in class, so I am excited to finally make the jump from textbook to real life. I know it will be tiring, and even scary at times, but I am excited to switch from a life of comfort and stability to one of spontaneity, all by myself.