Welcome to Maren's Abroadventures

 


Hello, fellow travelers! 
My name is Maren Smith, and I am a junior at Oklahoma State University, studying abroad in Barcelona this semester. I would like to reintroduce myself, as well as introduce you to my new blog starting this week! Fun fact about me: this is my second time studying abroad in Spain. Even eight years later, it feels so good to be back in this country at twenty years old now. Finally, being in Barcelona after just using study abroad as a conversation starter feels surreal to say the least, but wow, I have already made new friends, feel passionate about my classes, and have already made so many memories with the wonderful SAI study abroad group and just by myself on side quests. 

I am attending the CETT Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy school, located right off the metro stop “Mundet.” While I am the only one at SAI this year studying Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Spanish, I wanted to explain a little about what it is, since it is a part of all our daily lives. You experience it when staying at a hotel, eating out at a restaurant, or even taking planes and cruise ships to get around. These are some examples of careers in hospitality; however, hospitality can be as easy as hosting a get-together at your house, making visitors feel comfortable, or random small acts of kindness like opening a door for someone. I have found that I have a passion for helping others, which is how I got here.


Throughout my time this semester interning for SAI, I will be writing a new blog each week, which will be included in the newsletter, so make sure to keep track! I am hoping to provide you all with good recommendations for food, coffee, local small businesses, and more. 


See you next week!




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