Dress according to the country. In some countries, it is very rude to dress in tights and big t-shirts. They see it as disrespectful and that you do not value how they will perceive you. So, for at least 3 months try to dress like a local.
Not only for what I said before, but because you’ll blend in and won’t look like a tourist/foreigner. Some big cities, like Barcelona, have a serious pick-pocketing issue and they often target mostly tourists. If you can get that label off of you, then you’ll feel safer.
When addressing people, whether it be on the grocery, metro, or class, say “Buenos Dias, Buenas Tardes, Hola..” It is a form of respect, even if you do not speak fluent Spanish, it goes a long way.
Customer service in Barcelona is very different from the USA. As people do not work for tips in restaurants. They do not check up on you every so often. When going shopping, they are really careful at how many items you have. You will notice the difference right away.
People in Barcelona speak Catalan and Spanish, and you should remember that. If you are looking for a city to come to learn Spanish and hear it all around you, then you came to the wrong city. People are very proud of their Catalan heritage, and that should not keep you from coming here. It lets you see a different culture and a new language. Don’t be afraid, everyone speaks Spanish, you won’t have a problem asking something in Spanish.
People eat very late. They also work very late. Keep in mind that some restaurants or local stores might close from 4pm to 8pm, and all day Sunday. Dinner at my host family was at 9pm everyday. Embrace the new things and try to get accustomed to the different dinner time as soon as possible. (To make your life easier.)
People love Pan con Tomate. At first, I was not used to the idea of bread with tomato, but once I had it for the first time, I fell in love with it. Don’t be afraid to try new things, just because they sound different than what you are used to. Also, try all the different Tapas available!
Take public transportation at night, instead of taxis. The metro is open all day on the weekends and closes at 12am on the weekdays. But the night buses run all night, and this should help you save money and keep you on budget.
Enjoy every last minute you have in this wonderful city as time is short. Don’t be afraid to get lost! Travel and travel and enjoy!
--
Dulce Cervantes, a senior International Business major, spent the fall 2017 semester studying in Barcelona through CISabroad.
Dulce is also a recipient of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
Not only for what I said before, but because you’ll blend in and won’t look like a tourist/foreigner. Some big cities, like Barcelona, have a serious pick-pocketing issue and they often target mostly tourists. If you can get that label off of you, then you’ll feel safer.
When addressing people, whether it be on the grocery, metro, or class, say “Buenos Dias, Buenas Tardes, Hola..” It is a form of respect, even if you do not speak fluent Spanish, it goes a long way.
Customer service in Barcelona is very different from the USA. As people do not work for tips in restaurants. They do not check up on you every so often. When going shopping, they are really careful at how many items you have. You will notice the difference right away.
People in Barcelona speak Catalan and Spanish, and you should remember that. If you are looking for a city to come to learn Spanish and hear it all around you, then you came to the wrong city. People are very proud of their Catalan heritage, and that should not keep you from coming here. It lets you see a different culture and a new language. Don’t be afraid, everyone speaks Spanish, you won’t have a problem asking something in Spanish.
People eat very late. They also work very late. Keep in mind that some restaurants or local stores might close from 4pm to 8pm, and all day Sunday. Dinner at my host family was at 9pm everyday. Embrace the new things and try to get accustomed to the different dinner time as soon as possible. (To make your life easier.)
People love Pan con Tomate. At first, I was not used to the idea of bread with tomato, but once I had it for the first time, I fell in love with it. Don’t be afraid to try new things, just because they sound different than what you are used to. Also, try all the different Tapas available!
Take public transportation at night, instead of taxis. The metro is open all day on the weekends and closes at 12am on the weekdays. But the night buses run all night, and this should help you save money and keep you on budget.
Enjoy every last minute you have in this wonderful city as time is short. Don’t be afraid to get lost! Travel and travel and enjoy!
--
Dulce Cervantes, a senior International Business major, spent the fall 2017 semester studying in Barcelona through CISabroad.
Dulce is also a recipient of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
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