By Yixin Zhang
While my original vision centered on language mastery, networking, and cultural
immersion, the outcomes taught me the value of adaptability. My Spanish skills progressed
modestly, though not to the level I’d hoped. Reflecting honestly, I recognize that challenges
with my instructor’s teaching style and my own hesitancy to seek supplemental resources
played a role. Yet this “gap” became a lesson in self-advocacy—a reminder that growth often
requires proactive effort beyond initial plans.
Where I thrived was in building connections and cultural exploration. I forged strong
relationships with locals, tapped into the University of Michigan alumni network in Spain,
and even initiated an independent research project on the identity of second-generation
Chinese Spaniards. This endeavor, supported by a university library grant and mentorship
from a local academic, became a gateway to understanding Catalonia’s multicultural fabric.
Through fieldwork, interviews, and collaboration, I gained insights into Spain’s social
dynamics and EU politics that no classroom could replicate.
Navigating Challenges: Visa Delays and the Power of Mindset
The visa application process tested my resilience. After months of delays, I secured an
embassy appointment just weeks before departure—a period coinciding with final exams and
mounting pressure from program advisors. It was a crash course in multitasking and
emotional composure. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, I chose to focus on what I could
control: preparing meticulous documents, staying in close communication with the embassy,
and reminding myself that setbacks are temporary. When my passport arrived days before my
flight, I felt a quiet pride in having navigated uncertainty with patience.
Leadership in Loneliness: Building Bridges Beyond Comfort Zones
Loneliness was an unanticipated hurdle. My program, hosted partly at a U.S.-affiliated
institute, initially felt like an insular bubble. Many peers arrived with established friend
groups, leaving me adrift in a sea of unfamiliar faces. Rather than retreat, I leaned into the
BLI Habit of “Courageous Exploration.” I joined Meetup language exchanges, connected
with UPF classmates, and eventually channeled my solitude into curiosity. My research on
Chinese-Spanish identity became both an academic pursuit and a bridge to local
communities. In collaborating with residents, historians, and cultural organizations, I
discovered how leadership often begins with vulnerability—asking questions, seeking
mentorship, and turning isolation into intentional connection.
Looking Ahead: Applying Lessons Beyond Barcelona
This experience has equipped me with tools I’ll carry forward: the art of building networks
from scratch, the courage to turn challenges into research opportunities, and the humility to
embrace imperfection. Moving forward, I plan to:
● Expand my research into diaspora communities, leveraging the methodologies I honed
in Barcelona.
● Strengthen my language skills through structured online courses and conversation
partnerships, applying the self-awareness I gained.
● Advocate for cultural exchange by mentoring future students, sharing resources on
platforms like Go Overseas and Barcelona SAE.
Next Steps: Paying It Forward
Already, I’ve begun sharing practical tips and reflections as a CGIS alum and TOD
Scholarship recipient. But beyond logistics, I aim to highlight the emotional journey of
studying abroad—the loneliness, the breakthroughs, and the power of curiosity. By fostering
dialogue within global communities, I hope to help others navigate their own paths with
resilience and grace.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Unscripted
Barcelona taught me that the most profound growth often lies in detours. While my
Spanish fluency remains a work in progress, the relationships I built and the cultural insights I
gathered have left an indelible mark. Sometimes, the goals we set are merely waypoints; the
true destination is the person we become along the way.
To anyone embarking on a similar journey: Lean into the unexpected. Ask for help. Turn
stumbling blocks into stepping stones. And remember—every challenge is a story waiting to
be written.
