Inside Student Blogs

Kiersten Popke Barcelona, Spring 2012

My name is Kiersten Popke. I live in Canton, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. I am currently a junior at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, double concentrating in Communication Studies and Psychology. Studying abroad in Spring 2012 will fulfill a lifelong dream to see the world. Travel, great food, fascinating people, learning the Spanish culture – I cannot wait! Let me share it with you.

Kiersten's Posts

• Back in the USA

  5/25/12 • (0)

  Five short months ago I wrote my first blog expressing all my excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty about the experience I was embarking upon. I write my final blog from my kitchen counter back at my house in Michigan.

  Barcelona, Post departure blog, reflection, Spain, Study Abroad, Travel

• Cya Barca

  5/07/12 • (2)

  I’ve realized the saying “all good things must come to an end” is so true and at the same time incredibly depressing.

  Barcelona, Spain

• 

  Is this real life? Spring Break: Part II

  4/18/12 • (0)

  I had about 10 hours to re-group before getting in a taxi to start the second half of my spring break. Basically what I am saying is that there was no time for sleep that night! Our destination this time around was Italy.

  Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, Bologna, Florence, Italy, Spain

• Is this real life? Spring Break: Part I

  4/17/12 • (0)

  ¡Hola! I am currently blogging in the airplane on my way back to Barcelona after spending the past five days in the Canary Islands.

  Barcelona, Canary Islands, Spain, Spring Break, Tenerife

• 48 Hours in Paris

  4/02/12 • (0)

  This past weekend I went to probably the #1 tourist spot in Europe… Paris. None of the vacations I have taken over here disappoint and Paris was no exception.

  Barcelona, Paris, Spain

• Is Culture Shock Even Possible in a City Like Barcelona? Nahh…

  3/23/12 • (0)

  “Culture Shock” – The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

  Barcelona, Culture Shock, Spain

• 

  La Gastronomía (aka FOOD!)

  3/14/12 • (0)

  While I truly do love the apartment option, cooking for myself can get a tad repetitive. Not to mention my jealousy of all the students who rave about the amazing food their “señoras” cook in the homestays. So when IES offered an optional cooking class, my roommates and I jumped at the opportunity.

  Barcelona, Cooking Classes, food, Optional Activities, Spain

• 

  It’s Halftime

  3/01/12 • (0)

  I cannot believe I have already been living in Europe for seven weeks. The time is flying by and while I still have tons planned I fear it will be over before I know it. Now that I’ve been here for quite some time I thought I would give a list of my five favorite “musts” in Barcelona.

  Barcelona, midterms, Must-See's, Spain

• Adventures Outside Spain

  2/24/12 • (0)

  I would definitely have to say one of the best things about studying abroad is the ability to travel all over Europe. In two weeks I have traveled to Interlaken, Switzerland and London, England. Two completely different trips but nonetheless an unreal experience unique to each city.

  Barcelona, Interlaken, London, Spain, Traveling

• “Extreme Weather Conditions in Europe”

  2/09/12 • (0)

  I’m not sure if I have bragged in my previous posts about the amazing weather here in Barcelona. When I say “amazing” though I am holding it in comparison to the frigid temperatures my family is experiencing back home.

  Barcelona, Spain, Study Abroad Blogs

• Este es la Vida

  2/01/12 • (0)

  This weekend I traveled to Valencia, Spain for the mandatory IES field trip. Personally I think any “mandatory” field trip to visit and explore a new location is a pretty sweet deal. Valencia is only a four-hour bus ride down the coast of Spain but it differs in so many ways from Barcelona.

  Barcelona, IES field trip, Spain, Tarragona, Valencia

• 

  Me Encanta Barca

  1/20/12 • (1)

  I don’t know if it is possible to love a city this much after a mere 9 days… and yet I think I do. Barcelona is one of the coolest cities I have seen and I know there is much more exploring and learning to do.

  Barcelona, Spain

• ¡Adiós América!

  1/11/12 • (0)

  I’m leaving behind my family, friends, school, and typical American lifestyle. Not only that but more importantly I have to wait four months to see how all of my favorite shows unfold! Regardless, I know this is about to be the opportunity and experience of a lifetime.

  Barcelona, Pre-Departure, Spain, Study Abroad Blogs