SAI recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Ashlynne, who answered some questions about her time in Barcelona. 

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
I think the biggest thing I learned about myself when I was abroad was the fact that I had the ability to be independent and that I was fully capable of doing things on my own, even traveling. Before I came to study abroad, I never really thought of myself as someone who would like going and exploring things on my own but after this experience that really changed! I feel like it took study abroad to really realize who I am and what I truly want out of life.

Lisbon, Portugal

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My absolute favorite thing to do in my host city was to be able to go have a picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella. In Fort Collins we have City Park, but it doesn’t really compare. I really liked having that sense of community and being able to just sit underneath a tree to escape the Barcelona heat while having some great tapas! Some of my favorite memories are times that my friends and I would go to Parc de la Ciutadella so I hold it very near and dear to my heart.

Two great friends I met abroad, Olivia and Cheyenne

What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
I think the best travel tips I could give to someone studying abroad would be to simply take any opportunity. Even if the place wasn’t somewhere you initially had on your list, it could end up being your greatest adventure. The other biggest piece of advice I would give is to download offline google maps of wherever you’re going! There’s never a guarantee that your cell service will work where you’re going, and having an offline map is super helpful!

Riomaggiore was beautiful! It looked like a fairytale.

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
I would truly just come into it with your eyes wide open and no expectations! No one’s study abroad experience is going to be exactly the same and I truly believe it is what you make it. Try to say yes to opportunities that come your way and get out of your comfort zone!

Porto, Portugal. The architecture here was really neat! This picture was taken right next to the port.

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Ashlynne was a spring 2018 SAI Barcelona student from Colorado State University.