Kacper Turek

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 work full time at a Real Estate Agency, in the Corporate office. I manage a team of interns, Some foreign and I know how they must feel being here. My year abroad in Barcelona really helped open my mind. It was a growing experience and I learned to always take moments for what they are, and appreciate the little things.

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Rebirth, Eye Opener, Just Go, Let Loose, Be Open, New Different, Spread Wings, Make Memories, Tell Story, Fairy tale, Turn up, Explore Everything, Accept Accomplish, Breathtaking, indescribable.

Explain why you chose those words.

All are relevant to the experience. Every struggle was an adventure! But honestly, words cannot describe emotion accurately. You must experience them, get inspired, and live them!

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

Right next to BIC there was a Cafe called New York cafe, there a very nice lady would always have fantastic meals. But honestly my favorite food was not Spanish at all! It was right next door to the New York Cafe, a Small Durum Shop! If you order the Durum de mixo, with the sauce they give is to die for! I miss it every day. But lastly I could never forget 100 Montaditos! Every monday they would have half off everything and you can really get your moneys worth instead of spending a fortune on Tapas.

What was your favorite tour, day trip, or cultural activity? Why?

My favorite trip was going to the Salvador Dali Museum. That place was so inspiring and unique in many different ways. The surreal art plays games with your mind, and you wonder how this artist saw the world. Morocco was definitely worth seeing as well! Huge eye opener to how other parts of the world live and view the world. All of these trips would not be the same without the group and program I was with. I was blessed to have such bright free spirited friends that just made each and every trip that much better.

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

There is a small Rege Bar on Muntaner street. They may seem intimidating at first, but it is such a good vibe, everyone is there just to flow and enjoy the moment. If you ever are out late and need to go to class the next morning, stop by any cafe, get a carajillo right before. As for what it is? I will leave that as a surprise. You’re welcome 😉

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

This is a bad question, because it all starts at night… I would watch the sunset at the bunkers with the great view, with some people I have grown to love faster than ever. Then the night begins, hangout at the house with everyone just before we go out for another ride of our lives, exploring the night with no limits, getting lost until the metro opens again at 5am.

What was something you were surprised to learn about Barcelona or Spain? Or what aspect of the country or city were you least expecting?

I had no idea it was so innovative and smart all around. the layout is very intelligent made for everyone without any need for an automobile. I didn’t expect it to be such a hotspot for the famous, and the siesta is alive and well! And that pickpocketing could be an art form.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Just do it. Stop thinking about what others think of you, enjoy every second of every moment, but never lose your morals or values, just have a genuine good time. The places you think are dark or boring are the places where you will find yourself the most. Please Please Please don’t ever stop focusing on your cell phone if you take it out, because it will be gone. You think “no way that won’t happen to me” well imagine you saw a trick from a magician and you couldn’t explain how he did it, that’s exactly how it goes. 

Why was Barcelona SAE the right program for you?

They are focused only on Barcelona. Other programs  are all over the place, but here they only focus on the one city they love. You become part of the family and there is nothing that they haven’t experienced before so honestly it’s the only program for me.