Looking forward to the program starting on Sunday

In terms of being nervous or worried, I am nervous about living in the city. I've travelled abroad a lot and I always find the city to be very loud, very dirty, and very overwhelming. Since I am from the mountains, it is a huge change for me. On that same note, I'm worried about living in a bad part of the city, or about feeling unsafe. I know this program is very successful and that CIEE is very good at arranging living situations, but I am still anxious. Lastly, I am nervous about having a roommate again, since I have not had a roommate since my freshman year of college.

Since I have travelled around Europe in the last ten years with my family, I have a basic understanding of the cultural differences between Europe and the US, in addition to past experience to draw upon. I expect that the first day or so in Spain will be very difficult to understand, as it generally is when I return to Spain. Since I have spent the last week in France, though, it should be less jarring to hear Spanish, than if I were coming directly from the states. I am looking forward to hearing a language I actually understand. I expect to eat some very good food, learn a lot of information (in a short period of time), and make some good friends.

Overall, I am excited to hear the Spanish of Barcelona and interact with a new city. I hope to make a lasting connection with my host family and really live in Barcelona as if I were a local. More specifically, I am eager to explore the city, spend time on the beach, go hiking, learn to cook some of the local dishes, improve my Spanish, and make some new Buff friends.