First Day Expectations And Reality

After months of anticipation, planning, packing (okay, mostly overpacking), and two rebooked flights, I finally landed in Barcelona! From the moment my feet touched Catalan soil, it’s been a whirlwind of navigating, adjusting, and embracing a new culture. Here’s how my first few days unfolded, complete with hiccups, heartwarming moments, and some solid lessons learned.

Touchdown and First Impressions

Getting off the plane, my first mission was to secure a SIM card — priorities, right? Luckily, I snagged one at the airport and immediately contacted the IES Abroad emergency line. The agent on the phone was so welcoming; he laid out a few transportation options, and I opted to head straight to the IES Abroad Center for check-in.

The people at the airport were incredibly helpful too. While I fumbled with my bags and my barely-there Spanish due to jet lag and everything else, they guided me to the taxi queue like pros. Shoutout to my taxi driver for being super professional and making my first Barcelona ride stress-free. Pro tip: If you’re nervous about language barriers, taxi drivers here generally know the drill (and English) and are very accommodating.

When I arrived at the IES Abroad Center, I was greeted by a five-story building that looked both impressive and intimidating. I’ll admit, I had a moment of panic (Where do I even start?!), but the security guard and another staff member immediately stepped in to help. They directed me to the check-in area and even helped with my luggage, which could honestly be mistaken for a mini moving van.

Warm Welcomes and a Smooth Start

The staff at the Center made my frazzled self feel right at home. They checked me in, reassured me about missing my original orientation session (thanks, flight delays), and stored my luggage while I caught up with the nearest session. Everyone’s friendliness and patience were beyond comforting. Even though I arrived late to the orientation game, the session I joined was informative and fun — a win-win!

The Residence Hall Adventure

The next mission? Getting to my residence hall. Here’s where things got interesting. I tried using Cabify, but my driver didn’t speak English, and my Spanish suddenly decided to take a nap. Cue a mini internal meltdown. Thankfully, the security guard at the Center swooped in, helped me explain the destination, and even gave the driver instructions to take good care of me. Honestly, that moment warmed my heart so much I nearly cried 😭.

On the ride, I took a deep breath and decided to attempt some small talk in Spanish. To my surprise, the driver was super encouraging and even complimented my efforts. He went above and beyond, pointing out local safety tips and nearby necessities!

Checking into the residence hall was a breeze, thanks to the friendly staff there. I’ll save my full review for another post, but spoiler alert: it’s a cozy setup that’s quickly starting to feel like home.

Settling In and Small Wins

The next couple of days were all about settling in. I ventured to the nearest supermarket, armed with my phrasebook and Google Translate. While my Spanish is far from fluent, the shopkeepers were so kind and patient. Pro tip: If you’re struggling to catch what someone says, watch their body language! People here are great at using gestures to make things crystal clear, especially when you’re navigating aisles like a lost puppy 😅.

Even simple wins, like asking for something in Spanish and getting it right, felt like mini victories. Every interaction, no matter how small, reminded me how warm and welcoming the locals are. It’s little things like these that make a new city feel less daunting and more like home.

Final Thoughts

Before coming here, I expected challenges, and don’t get me wrong — they’ve been there. But I’ve also been blown away by how helpful and kind everyone has been, from taxi drivers to shopkeepers to the IES Abroad team. Coming from a community-driven culture myself, this sense of support and friendliness feels so familiar and comforting. It’s only been three days, but Barcelona is already working its magic on me ❤️.

So, to anyone nervous about starting their study abroad journey: embrace the unexpected, lean on the people around you, and don’t be afraid to stumble a little (or a lot). It’s all part of the adventure.

Hasta luego! 🌟