Spain: Rachel Nefesh
Program: IES Barcelona, Spring
Rachel’s Majors: Economics, Data Science
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
Studying abroad through IES in Barcelona exposed me to a wide range of global cultures and helped me grow into a more independent and confident version of myself. Living in a new country and meeting people from different cultures taught me how to connect with others, handle the unexpected, and deal with challenges without getting overwhelmed. I think these experiences will really help me in the future especially in roles where I’ll need to work with people from different backgrounds or solve problems in new ways.
It opened my eyes to new perspectives and made me more open-minded and curious about other cultures.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
One of the best parts about IES is the variety of classes they offer. I was able to take courses outside of my major and learn about so many different topics, from the architecture of Barcelona to the Spanish economy. It gave me a well-rounded experience and helped me learn in ways I wouldn’t have been able to back in Wisconsin.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned that I’m more independent and capable than I thought. Being in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I realized I can figure things out on my own, even in unfamiliar situations. I also saw how different, but also how similar people around the world can be. It opened my eyes to new perspectives and made me more open-minded and curious about other cultures.