Inside Student Blogs

Aleesa Mann Barcelona, Fall 2009

Aleesa is a junior at Howard University enrolled in the IES Abroad Barcelona program. She majors in Print Journalism with a minor in English. She enjoys writing, traveling, reading, and learning. She has worked on The Hilltop, the campus newspaper at Howard, and served as a staff writer and editor of the Life & Style section. Her career goal is to become a member of US Foreign Services as a press representative. While in Barcelona, she hopes to become fluent in the Spanish language, and immerse herself in the country's culture, as well as travel throughout Europe.

Aleesa's Posts

• Requiem for Barcelona!!!

  1/11/10 • (1)

  This whole experience has just made me a lot more independent and confident. I’ve proven I can navigate my way through an unfamiliar city, an unfamiliar language, and enjoy myself.

  Barcelona, Post-departure, Spain

• The (Not So) Last Day – And many hours in Zara

  12/18/09 • (0)

  According to the IES schedule it’s official Go Home Day, but my lovely family decided to come up and so I’m granted another week.

  Barcelona, Blogs, Spain

• It’s beginning to look a lot like…

  12/03/09 • (0)

  I know it’s Navidad when Starbucks starts playing “Jingle Bell Rock” over the speakers, and they pour their drinks in holiday themed cups.

  Barcelona, Blogs, Spain

• Home is Where…The New Season of “Ugly Betty” Is

  11/09/09 • (0)

  I felt a little weird the first time I considered Barcelona home.

  Barcelona, food, Spain

• Romeing Around

  11/02/09 • (0)

  I can say, without hesitation, that my trip to Rome was by far the best experience evaaar!

  Barcelona, Spain

• Intercambio, Intercambio

  10/23/09 • (0)

  One of the best parts of my experience abroad has been the challenge of learning the language.

  Barcelona, intercambio, Spain

• Fear & Loathing in Sitges

  10/12/09 • (1)

  Honestly, everyday I become more fascinated with the city and the culture, and the people. I can already tell that the time here I have isn’t enough. But I can already tell that the time I’ve spent here has changed me. I wish I could put it into to words.

  Barcelona, Reflections, Sitges Film Festival, Spain

• Classes

  10/01/09 • (2)

  Crazy thing about study abroad, is that you actually have to study (as the name not so subtly implies). It’s easy to forget, between all the sightseeing and traveling, that there’s this little thing called class that turns out to be quite important.

  Barcelona, classes, Spain

• Tripping in Interlaken

  9/29/09 • (0)

  One of the advantages of studying in Europe is that so many countries are easily accessible. It’s so overwhelming to realize how many places I can travel to now that I’m here.

  Barcelona, Spain

• My Metrocard

  9/08/09 • (0)

  I’d have to say the best investment I’ve made so far in Barcelona is the T-Mes metro pass. It allows for unlimited rides on the metro for 30 days and costs about 50 euro. It might seem like a lot, but once you start trekking around the city you’ll be thanking your lucky charms you got it.

  Barcelona, Home stay, Metrocard, Spain, transportation

• Airport Anxiety

  9/01/09 • (2)

  So, I’m sitting in the airport in what seems to be the most desolate wing of the whole building. This makes me nervous.

  Anxiety, Barcelona, Pre-Departure, Spain