Psychology major Alyssa Taubert '16 is studying abroad for seven weeks this summer at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
Psychology major Alyssa Taubert '16 is studying abroad for seven weeks this summer at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. While abroad, she has been living in an apartment, located about a mile and a half from the school, with two roommates. Taubert is taking two courses, Spanish art and cultural heritage and Spanish civilization and culture. The classes meet for two hours everyday, Monday-Thursday, allowing time to travel on the weekends - of which Taubert has been doing a lot! Here are some of Taubert's notes from the first half of her trip:
"I embarked on my journey abroad on May 28th. After traveling for 24 hours, I was filled with excitement, questions and fear. I wasn't sure what to expect for the next seven weeks, but I was more than ready to find out. The first four days were filled with orientations and tours getting to know my new home of Barcelona, Spain."
Every Wednesday, Taubert and her friends have had the opportunity to participate in an activity organized by API. The first week, she participated in a Spanish cooking class, preparing a traditional Spanish meal of pan con tomate, tortilla de patatas, paella and sangria. The second week was a scavenger hunt around the city of Barcelona - Taubert and her group were given clues of a particular location and had to use a map to find their way to the location to get the next clue. During the third week, she went to see a live Flamenco show.
"Flamenco is a form of Spanish folk music and dance from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain," Taubert said. "Being a dancer myself, I was impressed with this style and would recommend this show to anyone interested in dance!"
Taubert '16 at the airport
"Through API (Academic Programs International), weekend and day excursions are included. The second weekend in Barcelona, we traveled as a program to Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain. Words cannot describe its beauty. We were able to go to the National Park and a nice beach called Cala Mondrago, where the water was crystal clear and yachts filled the harbors. We spent two full days in Mallorca and it has been my favorite trip thus far."
"In between all these activities organized by API, I have been able to wander through the city embracing every opportunity I can to learn and explore. I have seen the wonderful art by Picasso, Dali and, especially, Antoni Gaudí. Park Güell, one of Gaudí's major works, offered a beautiful view of Barcelona all the way down to the beaches."
"This has been one of my favorite locations because not only can you appreciate the architecture and mosaic designs, but you can also take in the beauty of nature with its many gardens filled with flowers. Gaudí's work was inspired by nature and can be seen through out the city of Barcelona."
"The inside of [Gaudi's] La Sagrada Família Basilica (which can be seen from my apartment balconies!) will amaze you with its detailed architecture and stained glass windows. El Catedral (pictured) was breathtaking, but in a different sense. Walking through the Cathedral, you could feel the presence of God and the many saints being honored throughout the corridors. I was able to sit in a pew and take in all the beauty and grace the Cathedral had to offer."
"I have always enjoyed running for fun, so I decided to see if any races were being held in the city while I was studying here. I found a 10K race organized by Nike called the We Run BCN 10K. After many language barriers and confusion, I participated in the run that was dedicated to the firefighters, and it was an absolute blast. This was something I did on my own without friends by my side, and I am so happy I went out of my comfort zone to push myself to do something I enjoy. The picture shows me before the race began, representing EC and the Dance Team!"
"Barcelona's futbol team won the Triplet, and the celebration took place on a Sunday night. There was a parade throughout the city and a show at their home field, the Camp Nou Stadium. My friends and I ran to the stadium and were lucky enough to get tickets to go inside. It was an incredible experience. Even though I did not understand much of what was said, the vibrant atmosphere and support by the fans was unforgettable."
"Overall, these past three and a half weeks have been filled with adventures, beauty and excitement," Taubert said. "I fall in love with Barcelona more and more every day. The history of Spain can be seen within many areas of the city, the locals are energetic and the sun is always shining. What more can you ask for? I am so grateful for this experience and am ready to take on the next three and a half weeks I have left here in this amazing city of Barcelona!"
When it came time to search for an internship, Philip decided to go big—and looked to the accounting industry’s Big 4 of Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG, each of which has a Boston-based office just a few miles from campus.
"If anyone would ask me what to do in college, I would tell them to do everything. Get as much experience as you can. Meet people and do things. Take advantage of all college has to offer."
Jumping into her Emmanuel experience, Shakirah was sure of two things: that what she had planned was going to be a “tall task,” and that she was up for the challenge.
Katherine’s foray into biology might seem an unlikely one for a future dentist.
As a future educator, Jonathan understands there is a lesson to be learned in everything.
For career inspiration, Erin looked no further than her family of first responders and their calling to “help people on their worst days.”
During the Fall 2022 semester, MacDonald and her research team of psychology majors Madeline Bradley ’23 and Matthew Lemansky ’23 (pictured) investigated the lived experiences of participants in an 8-week mindfulness training program.
One transformative high school law class changed Alyssa’s college plans from STEM to political science.
Nick grew up in a family of medical professionals—his mother and grandmother are both nurses and his father is a paramedic. “I’ve always been surrounded with medical jargon and stories of health incidents, crises, and the rewarding benefits of providing care,” he said.
Emmanuel College is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through the Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program.
Counseling & health psychology major Christine came to Emmanuel knowing she wanted to pursue a career in health care, and the College’s opportunities and connections for students interested in the field—as well as a neuroscience course she attended at EC Incoming—made the decision an easy one.
When asking secondary education and biology double major Angela Girodier '22 if she’s more passionate about research or teaching, she quickly and emphatically says “both.”
Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.
Questions?
617-735-9715
