Maren's Abroadventures

  Welcome back to Maren's Abroadventures!          This week, I put together a video below about the VIVA Experiences we attended through SAI from our 2025 Fall semester abroad. These experiences were always a fun time and helped me get to know my host city of Barcelona better. My three favorite VIVA Experiences I attended: Cheese and Wine Evening - As a cheese lover and someone with a career focus in food and beverage, this was easily my favorite activity with the SAI group. This was perfect for a smaller group of people, and it was easier to interact with our host. We were fortunate enough to discover the history behind both the cheese and the wine. I love attending tastings since lots of people do it a little differently, and you witness each person's palate come to life while using your senses. Ceramic Workshop - The ceramic workshop is a very close second, because it was so nice getting to meet Jordi as he helped us c...

  Welcome back to Maren's Abroadventures!          This week, I wanted to discuss the importance of connecting with families abroad and to encourage study abroad travelers to reach out to as many locals as possible.            The picture above includes my host mom and dad, as well as my host sister Nerea. I studied abroad in Madrid when I was in fifth grade, about 12 years old. I stayed with my host family for a few months while attending the same school as my host sister. I had so much fun with them whether it was going out to eat, taking a trip, or figuring out my favorite items at the grocery store. Being able to come back to Spain at twenty-one years old and study abroad once again in a new city feels surreal. I have already taken the opportunity to visit and stay a few days with my host family, and their house looks almost the exact same. It feels like I was just living there yesterday.        Whe...

  Welcome back to Maren's Abroadventures!        On this week's blog, I will be sharing some common phrases in Spain, as well as things you should know.  This blog will be very useful for students who have never been to Europe previously or for those who would like to know more. Traveling The first tip I will give you is to make sure you are standing on the right side of the escalator, so the people who are in a rush can pass by you. I have also found that it is really common to use this etiquette all over Europe, which was surprising to me as an American, yet makes perfect sense. Another useful tip would be to watch out for the bike lane. There have been many instances where I have seen people get hit by bikers because they don't even realize that they are standing in the bike lane until one comes.   Speaking of transportation, it is always a good idea to stand with your feet wide when taking the metro. Balance is super important so yo...

Welcome back to Maren's Abroadventures!           Today, I will be discussing what it is like to attend school in Spain, and how it is different than in Oklahoma. As someone who has attended multiple different schools in both the United States and Spain, it is very interesting to see the difference. Escola de les Aigües             My first example is the elementary school in Barcelona I am currently volunteering. I find it very interesting that they separate each grade by floors of the building, so it is easier to navigate the kids. My favorite thing about elementary school is that the teachers are the ones who rotate between classes instead of the students. I feel as if this method helps the kids stay engaged, especially when they are so young. The school also offers many different after-school activities for the kids, including soccer practice, archery, and even language classes. Casvi Boadilla del Monte       ...

  Welcome Back to Maren's Abroadventures!           This week, I will be discussing the fashion in Barcelona. You may find this blog to be helpful when packing to come to Spain, or if you would like to be more aware of their style. Try not to overthink when packing, since the stores available here constantly have new arrivals to look through.           While I do always recommend wearing the clothing you enjoy and are comfortable in, you may find that there are so many ways you can elevate your look by adding simple accessories or a pop of color. I have found that most people are not worried about what you are wearing, and you will not get crazy looks for wearing sweatpants or leggings, especially since lots of people here are tourists or international students.          September and October are still typically warmer months, until it gets a little cooler in November and December. Compared to the weather I ...

Welcome Back to Maren's Abroadventures!          This week, I wanted to tell you about what the people of Barcelona will be celebrating this weekend, and just as a hint, it is not Halloween like in the United States. November 1st is when All Saints' Day will be celebrated in Barcelona, but sometimes they even celebrate on October 31st as well to combine two holidays as "Castaween."         What does this mean? This means that this weekend, as we enter the month of November, there will be celebrations marking the beginning of the fall season and the chestnut harvest. Chestnuts were a main source of  food in the winter months long ago, as they were easy to store and provided the nutrients people were looking for. T he tradition of eating chestnuts is even connected to the practice of keeping vigil for the dead during All Saints’ Night.            Sometimes on this holiday, boys and girls wi...