University of Wisconsin–Madison

Spain: Ella Villeneuve

Program: IES Barcelona, Spring

Major: Psychology

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

The act of slow food eating in Barcelona is something I’ll be taking home with me. I feel as a society in America we always focus on efficiency and connivence, but being able to take a moment and really sit to enjoy your food and your company is more beneficial than any connivence. There is something very beautiful about taking your time and they prioritize that in Barcelona, so that is the biggest thing I’ll be taking home with me.

A group of girls pose for a picture at the top of a mountain. In the background are snowy mountain peaks against a blue sky.
Ella and her friends in L’alpe D’huez on their way to the Tomorrowland Winter Music Festival.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The classes I took at IES Barcelona, were much more similar to classes I would’ve taken in high school (structure wise not content wise). It’s a hands on discussion-based learning environment which doesn’t allow for students to passively sit in class without participation. I appreciate this type of learning because it gives many opportunities to students for engagement, active learning, and asking questions. The teachers in this program appreciate the relationships that can be built in smaller classrooms and use that to their advantage. We did many class presentations, group projects, and reflections which are different from large lecture-based classes. I thoroughly enjoyed learning through IES and appreciated the difference of class structure.

A girl is shown sitting on a rock at the top of a mountain. She is looking off into the distance. In the distance there is the ocean and open fields and trees.
Ella after a hike in Siggiewi, Malta looking out on the island.
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As a first time abroad traveler I was very anxious about the whole process and how all the puzzle pieces of travel would fit together. But as time went on I truly got the hang and the routine of how to travel efficiently.
Ella Villeneuve

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

This has opened up my world of travel exponentially. As a first time abroad traveler I was very anxious about the whole process and how all the puzzle pieces of travel would fit together. But as time went on I truly got the hang and the routine of how to travel efficiently, which was something I lacked before. I am now able to navigate new cities and their transportation systems, which I am very proud of, and will take that knowledge with me to my future endeavors.