by Cade A.
Taking classes abroad has been one of the most interesting experiences of studying abroad thus far. I am currently studying in Barcelona, Spain, through a hybrid program split between two institutions: Universitat Pompeu Fabra and CEA CAPA. I am mainly taking finance classes, with a few electives mixed in.
The biggest difference that shocked me on day one was the grading system. While it is common to earn an A (90%+) in the United States, receiving such a grade in Spain is far less typical, given how their system is structured. This has pushed me to work harder than I normally would. I find myself studying twice as much and approaching assignments with greater intentionality. That being said, my schedule is more spread out than at home that gives my days more of a natural rhythm which I have come to appreciate.
Taking classes from a different worldview has also been eye-opening, especially in finance. The EU operates under a distinct regulatory environment, and my professors bring perspectives on societal issues and definitions of success that I had never encountered before. My electives have added another layer to this. In my Artificial Intelligence course, for example, we explored European attitudes toward water usage, energy regulation, and the impact of emerging technology on labor markets. This is a far more holistic lens than what I was used to in the U.S.
Adjusting to all of these changes has not always been easy. I am a regimented person, who schedules a lot of my life, so finding my footing here took time. I have finally hit my stride, and Barcelona feels like home. I cannot wait to see what the rest of this experience brings.