Beyond Las Ramblas

Caleb Brasker is an ambitious student from Eastern Illinois University who studied abroad in Fall 2024 through the UB program. While living in a homestay, he embraced Barcelona’s vibrant culture and explored his LGBTQIA+ identity in new ways. On campus, he's active as a language department ambassador and Spanish Club member—and now continues to inspire others as a Barcelona SAE Alumni Ambassador.

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Acful’s World Readiness Standards

Andrew Mendez is a passionate student from St. Olaf College who studied abroad at the School for International Studies in Barcelona. A marketing students and MMA enthusiast, he immersed himself in local life by joining a neighborhood soccer club and connecting deeply with Spain’s culture. As a proud member of the Hispanic/Latinx community, he shares how his identity shaped his experience—and how he now uses that journey to inspire others as an Alumni Ambassador for Barcelona SAE.

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Adventures Abroad

Bryn Prosser, a recent graduate of the University of Miami, spent his final semester in Barcelona. Bryn participated in a hybrid program, combining coursework at the School for International Studies with a part-time internship. As a queer student and first-generation American, Bryn shares how his intersecting identities shaped his study abroad journey, offering thoughtful insights and reflections that will resonate with many of our listeners.

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Angel Cruz-Viola (she/they), a high-achieving senior at the University of Miami, studied in Barcelona during the Spring 2024 semester. With warmth and wit, Angel shares what it was like navigating the intersections of gender, language, and culture while studying abroad, and how they cultivated community and "queer joy" with their host family and new friends in Catalonia. Listen now to this final episode of our inaugural season.

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Rosalina Macon, a dynamic African American and Pacific Islander student from North Carolina A&T State University. Rosalina participated in our Spanish Language & Hispanic Studies program and has since become an influential voice as an alumni ambassador for Barcelona SAE and a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program alum. Now serving as President of Aggies Abroad, she shares her inspiring journey and the importance of studying abroad. Listen now to hear her story of cultural exploration and advocacy!

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India Turner, a bold and confident psychology major from Xavier University of Louisiana. India studied abroad in Barcelona during the May term, where she deeply immersed herself in the local culture, engaged in co-curricular activities, and built strong connections with her host family and the city. With aspirations to enrich the lives of Black and Brown individuals in the mental health field, India’s Creole heritage and empathy created a meaningful impact on those around her. Join us as she shares her transformative experience and insights from Barcelona!

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Azaria Bell, a Spanish major from Eastern Illinois University who studied at the Universitat de Barcelona, shares with us how she approached her semester in Catalonia with curiosity, faith, and - most importantly - joy. A first-time international traveler, Azaria recounts what it was like living with a host family, studying Spanish at a university founded in 1450, and how to expertly navigate travel delays with with poise and optimism. You don't want to miss this one - listen now!

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The inspiring Leslie Billotte, participated in our inaugural HBCU Consortium Program in Summer 2023, where she explored the Black experience in Barcelona. As a non-traditional student, devoted mom, and Vice President of International Affairs on her campus, Leslie shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and global exploration. Tune in to hear how this dynamic millennial is making an impact both at home and abroad!

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Andres Vazquez, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student who participated in our SIS + UPF BAPIS program, is a native Spanish speaker and member of the Latinx community. Andres embraced the challenge of learning Catalan while immersing himself in Barcelona’s rich culture. Now an alumni ambassador, he shares his insights and experiences with prospective students. Listen now to hear about his journey, cultural adventures, and tips for future students!

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SIS + UPF Semester Program

Jalan Gunning (she/her), a Barcelona SAE alumna and proud NC A&T State University graduate, has helped countless students navigate their study abroad journeys, but today she’s sharing her own story! From teaching 4th grade through Teach For America to studying at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Jalan brings fascinating insights from both the classroom and her time abroad. Tune in for her reflections and stories!

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