Spending a few weeks of the summer in Barcelona sounds like a dream come true – especially when you can earn college credit in the process. Several students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science made that dream come true by participating in UCF’s study abroad program in Barcelona. This is the first year that the college has participated in the program, with future trips anticipated for the coming years. Students spent the summer learning about engineering and computer science, but also immersed themselves in the culture through guided tours and cooking classes. Three of the students shared their unique experiences after the trip.
Michelle Trinh
Mechanical Engineering
The study abroad trip was actually the second time that Trinh had traveled to Barcelona. At the age of 11, Trinh took a train tour across Europe that included a stop in the Spanish city. While Trinh was immediately taken by the culture, she only had a two-night stay in Barcelona, cutting the amazing experience short.
Since that time, Trinh has longed to go back. Through the study abroad program, her dream came to fruition. Trinh enrolled in the Solid Mechanics course taught by Professor Ali Gordon. She says the experience showed her that it’s possible to pursue a rigorous engineering degree while maintaining a life balance.
“Many students avoid fun opportunities like study abroad out of fear that it will slow their academic or career progress,” Trinh says. “However, I learned invaluable information from the class excursions we did. I learned the inner workings of factories, how to act in a professional setting and how engineers can apply their skills in various industries.”
Trinh was able to visit car manufacturer SEAT but also cultural sites like Parc Güell and Montserrat. She says her favorite excursion was a trip to the Bunker del Carmel, an old Spanish Civil War lookout that offers panoramic city views. But her favorite part of the trip overall was the people she met.
“I built lasting connections not only with my professor and other study abroad students, but also with the locals, who welcomed me with open arms,” Trinh says. “By joining community events like outdoor markets and festivals, I had the chance to meet warm, friendly locals who were eager to share their stories—and offer great food recommendations!”
Her advice for future study abroad students? Start your assignments before the program starts.
“That way, class time can solidify your understanding of the material, and you will have more time to explore the wonderful city you will be in,” Trinh says. “On that note, say yes to everything. Make the most out of your time abroad.”
Nicholas Maxwell
Mechanical Engineering
For Maxwell, this trip to Barcelona was a first. It offered a chance to learn about another country and culture – a chance that was too good to pass up.
Maxwell explored the history, religion and entertainment the city has to offer. He attended Catholic Mass in Catalan, listened to a choir in Monserrat and sharpened his culinary skills in a Spanish cooking class. Like Trinh, Maxwell says his favorite part of the trip was the chance to meet new people.
“The trip really fostered a great environment to make friends and study with your peers,” Maxwell says. “Going on trips with the same people in your classes helps create a better connection with your peers than a regular class would provide.”
Maxwell also enrolled in the Solid Mechanics class and learned how engineering is linked to other industries.
“The overall experience allowed me to see how engineers come from all kinds of backgrounds,” Maxwell says. “Almost every industry has some sort of engineering aspect, whether that be in cuisine or architecture. There were a lot of unique features about the architectural buildings that shocked me at how natural they looked yet they were all planned and sculpted to feel that way, bringing an art to engineering that I believed was uncommon.”
- Written by Marisa Ramiccio