Emily Hinkel
International Relations
University of Delaware
Studied Abroad at UAB
Emily is an International Relations major from the University of Delaware, and studied abroad at the UAB during Spring 2015.
What are you up to these days? Have you graduated? Are you working? How did your experience in Barcelona have an impact on your life?
I had the opportunity to stay on in Barcelona as a BOB (Best of the Best) intern with Barcelona SAE! My time in Barcelona was so amazing, and full of so many new experiences and adventures. I now love being able to take my experiences and what I learned in Barcelona and apply them to my home!
If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…
Adventure Filled
What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?
Cosmo, which has great brunch!
What was your favorite tour, day trip, or cultural activity? Why?
My favorite day trip was the Cava/Sitges trip; it was really nice to get to spend the day outside of Barcelona, and get to hang out at the beach and explore a new town near by. I also really like the tour of the Raval, because it helped me to get to know that area better!
Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?
I think I would recommend the Rambla de Poble Nou; it has a ton of restaurants, and it is less crowded than La Rambla, and the food is much better! The beach near there is also really nice, and also less crowded than Barceloneta. Plus, it’s near the Torre Agbar and the Els Encants flea market, so it’s nice to spend the day there.
What was something you were surprised to learn about Barcelona or Spain? Or what aspect of the country or city were you least expecting?
Something that I was surprised about Barcelona was that it has everything, and that there are so many places to explore and get lost in, but at the same time it feels small and familiar. In our semester here, Barcelona really felt like home and we really got to know our neighborhood and the city. Also, that the elevators are all so small!
What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?
I would tell future students not to have any expectations about what Barcelona or your study abroad will be like, and just be willing to try new things and go outside of your comfort zone.
