Nicolette Finizio is a student at Florida State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Nicolette is currently studying abroad with ISA in Barcelona, Spain.
As the only Florida State University student studying abroad in Barcelona, one may wonder why I would decide to come to this foreign place, only accompanied by one carry-on bag and one duffel bag. As a middle child of three daughters, I have always had an independent attitude and outlook on life. I am very open- minded, love meeting new people from different cultures, backgrounds, and countries, and overall, get a thrill of the unknown when exploring new places.
When the plane’s wheels hit the runway in Barcelona, I have to admit, I was unsure of what kind of semester long adventure I had signed myself up for in this unfamiliar. Despite my discomfort toward facing the unknown, I hesitantly wheeled my bags out of baggage claim, and was slightly eased upon meeting my new Spanish family. After settling into their cozy, beautiful house in the mountain- terrain outskirts of Barcelona, I started feeling more at home.
A few days after unpacking my belongings, I met the rest of the ISA students, and the thrilling feeling of uncertainty swept my body, as I was not sure of the who’s, where’s, what’s, and why’s: who I was going to meet, where my classes were going to be held, what times my classes would take place, and most importantly, how I was even going to navigate the metro systems to get to and from class.
To say the least, these past few weeks have certainly been an adventure of a lifetime. The metro system was as easy as pie to master (not to be so cliché, but it is true), the people could not be any friendlier, and the sights here (from la playa to la Segrada Familia) are priceless.
For those readers out there, if and when you ever have worries about the uncertainty that is associated with traveling and exploration, my advice is DON’T. My ability to embrace uncertainty is what led me on this amazing adventure, caused me to make life-long friends and international connections, and allowed me to have experiences and create memories of which I will never forget.
Thank you for sharing and making living in a foreign country seem so easy :)
Reblogged this on Two Girls' Odyssey Across Europe.