Billie Katz – Page 2 – GW Blogs from Abroad

What it Means to be an American in Spain

AdminFebruary 6, 2014December 14, 2018

During both GW pre-departure orientation and my program sponsored orientation, I was told many times that this experience in Spain would most likely be the first time I was a minority. As a white female from a suburban town about a half hour outside of New York City, this was a phenomenon I had rarely, if ever, encountered previously. I didn't pay too much attention to these sentiments, but the notion was definitely kept in the back of my mind.

This coming Friday, February 7th marks the one month milestone of when my study abroad experience began. Throughout this month my opinions, expectations and goals for this semester have been challenged, changed, and attained all at various times, places, and levels. One of the most surprising aspects of Spanish culture that I noticed was the way in which they view Americans.

The Spanish have a semi-opposing view of all of us residing in the United States. On one hand they value and recognize the amazing achievements our country and our country's leaders have made, but on the other hand, they hold several stereotypes that are very difficult to change their mind about. The most striking example of this was a conversation I was having with a Spanish student who was surprised by my response when she asked about why America and Americans are so great. I explained that a majority of our country is great; however, there are certainly aspects that need improving. This shocked her and lead my to realize that people from outside countries view American citizens as American flag toting, beer drinking, "ammmmuuuuuuricccaaaa" yelling, crazed people who fail to see the faults within our own system.

While this is only one example, it lead to me start thinking about how the various people I interact with on a daily basis around Barcelona perceive me because they can tell I'm an American. The answer I've been able to come up with so far, is that they love American students. They love that we have taken the time and effort to step outside of our own country and culture to come explore and experience theirs. They love to torture us while we try to communicate in broken Spanglish, even though they speak perfect English and were raised in Chicago, and they enjoy realizing that not every American is living in a self-obsessed facade of being a citizen of the greatest country of the world.

I love America and I deeply valid being American, which lead me to view this period of reflection as helpful and inspiring as I continue to enjoy and be educated by this study abroad experience.

Catalonia vs. Spain

AdminFebruary 6, 2014December 14, 2018

By billienkatz

The geographic area of Spain is divided into various Autonomous Regions, which operate similarly to the way the 50 state system does in the United States. Barcelona is part of the Catalonia region and there is a strong sense of Catalonian identity, that is causing major political uproar, because the residents of Catalonia are seeking to separate from Spain and become their own country. This would pose many problems for Catalonia if they chose to do this. For example, in order to be a recognized country of the European Union, each country that is currently a part of the EU has to vote in favor of having any additional country join. As a result, Catalonia would need Spain to vote in favor of their EU membership, which I can assure you will certainly never happen. In addition, Catalonia lacks the monetary resources to operate as a stand-alone country from Spain, and without the aid of the EU behind them, they would have many issues surviving.

This issue of Catalonia vs. Spain was blatant from my first few days in Barcelona. First and foremost, the majority of residents in Barcelona speak Catalan (and Spanish) as their primary language, and this separates them from the rest of the country almost instantaneously. In addition, the Catalonia flag is similar, yet different from the national flag of Spain, and while walking down the street you see more Catalonia flags than Spanish flags hanging off of residential balconies.

This issue is so important to daily life and current events here in Barcelona that it has been discussed in every single one of my classes so far, and I've only been in classes for a week! This past Thursday in my Human Development in the Spanish Socio-Cultural Context class, my professor, a Canadian citizen who has lived in Spain for almost 15 years, was explaining that his close friend is a crazy obsessed FC Barcelona fan; however, when Spain won the World Cup in 2012, he showed no interest because he doesn't care about Spain's accomplishments, his ties fall directly to Barcelona and Catalonia.

Here is a clear example of regional nationalism that is alive and well in Spain. This is contrasted with the mentality of the United States, where we all love being American and love America. I don't ever walk around shouting about how Connecticut is the superior state out of all 50; however, every July 4th I let my nationalistic tendencies fly. Someone who has been born and bred in Barcelona speaks Catalan, lives in Catalonia, and has little personal and/or public interest in Spain as their country.

I'm very interested to see how much more I can learn about this conflict, especially in the upcoming weeks during the Olympics! I wonder if Barcelona will set up TV screens in the plaza's and display a sense of support for the Spanish athletes competing, and I wonder if the citizens of the Catalonia region will ever find pride in their Country.

Orientation

AdminJanuary 31, 2014December 14, 2018

By billienkatz

The word 'orientation' is defined as "the determination of the relative position of something or someone, especially oneself." This is essentially what the first week of my Barcelona experience has been. My program through IES Abroad began with a planned orientation period for all of the students in the program, which consisted of different discoverIES programs such as trips to the open food market, bicycle tours, hikes, and more to help us integrate ourselves into the Barcelona lifestyle. However, in my opinion, the free time outside of the program, the time my roommate and I ended up walking in a giant circle wandering home from class, and the time I found my new favorite place (for now) in a strange city, is what aided the most in my adjustment to life here in Spain.

While my program (and most study abroad programs) designate certain days or weeks as part of "orientation" to the experience, I view orientation as a semester long commitment. Yes, I've seen some of the typical Barcelona sights - I've been to Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, I've found Passeig de Gracia (the equivalent of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan), and I know how to navigate the Metro system; however, I know that my time here is just beginning.

This experience is about integrating myself into a different culture, country and language, and I view this task as both the most rewarding aspect and most challenging aspect of this semester all in one. I want to make Barcelona feel like home, but I also want to use it's easy access to Europe as a way to travel and to explore the world and various cultures and countries.

I hope to provide you with an insight not only into my personal experience, but the lifestyle of Barcelona, the city and it's people. This past week has been one of the most exhausting, incredible, and confusing weeks of my life, but I am so excited to continue this journey, which I know is just beginning.

Adios, for now!

Billie