The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is delighted to share the inspiring journey of one of our former student workers, Bea Aguiar, who completed a transformative summer abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Bea, a third-year psychology major with a minor in Spanish, was an invaluable part of our department for over two years.
Bea's journey with Spanish began in seventh grade, fueled by her passion for languages. "Growing up bilingual, with Portuguese as my first language, gave me a unique perspective. Spanish and Portuguese are like cousin languages, and my proficiency in Portuguese truly made learning Spanish a seamless process," Bea reflects.
As she delved into the intricacies of Latinx cultures, Bea developed a keen interest in advancing her Spanish-speaking skills and nurturing a desire to explore Spanish-speaking countries. This dream materialized during the summer of 2023 when she participated in the ISA program, affiliated with Ohio State, and studied abroad in Barcelona.
Bea's experience was nothing short of amazing, considering she had never spent more than a month away from home. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the incredible support she received from the ISA program, making her arrival in a foreign country remarkably smooth.
"The summer in Barcelona was filled with new experiences and personal growth," Bea shares. Residing in an apartment with a host mom, who quickly became a cherished figure in her life, Bea had the chance to attend a national Brazil soccer team match, see Harry Styles and The Weeknd in concert, and savor the diverse offerings of Barcelona, be it the beaches, city life, or mountain hikes.
Her favorite places in Spain included the vibrant city of Seville, where she celebrated her birthday with friends, captivated by the rich culture and a mesmerizing flamenco show. "I also cherished the beauty of Mallorca—an island boasting the prettiest beaches," Bea fondly recalls.
However, studying abroad is not without its challenges. Bea encountered moments of homesickness and struggled with changes in relationships and friendships. Yet, she found solace in her host mom, who became a pillar of support. "Overcoming language barriers, I shared vulnerable emotions in my third language. It was a testament to the power of connection," Bea reflects.
Academically, Bea found the class environment in Spain to be more personal and engaging, with small class sizes fostering a deeper connection with the language. "My listening skills improved significantly as I constantly heard and spoke Spanish," she notes.
In her own words, Bea encourages fellow students to consider studying abroad, citing the tremendous cultural awareness and life experiences gained. "An open mind and readiness for lifestyle and cultural changes are key. Spend enough time abroad—it's worth it," Bea advises.
Bea's journey abroad exemplifies the transformative power of immersive experiences. As she returns with enriched perspectives and enhanced language skills, we celebrate her achievements and look forward to more students embracing the opportunities within the Department of Spanish and Portuguese.
