Josu's Study Abroad Experience In Spain

I was born in Venezuela, but by the time I was two years old, my family had moved to Miami, FL. Even though I grew up in the U.S., so many of the traditions and values that shaped me came from somewhere else: Spain. My grandparents had immigrated to Venezuela after the Spanish Civil War, carrying with them the resilience, spirit, and culture of their homeland.

From a young age, I was fascinated by my Spanish roots. The history of Spain, full of complexity and passion, always drew me in, and it felt even more personal because of my own name: Josu, a Basque name. I still remember being seven years old, packed into the living room with my family, all of us cheering for Spain during the 2010 World Cup. The joy we felt when they won is something I'll never forget.

My family story is even more layered because my grandfather comes from the Basque Country and my grandmother from Galicia, two regions in Spain that, while part of the same country, are culturally worlds apart. To most people, they might seem like just names on a map. But anyone who knows Spain understands how deeply unique each region’s identity really is.

Because of this connection, it felt natural for me to study abroad in Spain. I chose Barcelona: a city full of its own rich culture, traditions, food, and passion. Although I had visited Spain before, touring through the Basque Country and Galicia with my family, I had only briefly experienced Cataluña and Barcelona. I was beyond excited to immerse myself in this beautiful city for a whole semester, and deepen my bond with the country that has always been a part of me.