Arcadia Spain

The results of our Spring 2017 Photo Contest are already here! The participants were asked to submit one photograph they had taken during their time abroad, dealing with the topic "Your experience in Barcelona", and we got impressive submissions. We would like to thank all the students who have entered the contest. 

First place: Through a Window

"I took this photo the first week I was here. This photo captures the multiple moments where I had to take a deep breath, look at everything around me and thank everyone and everything for a trip of a lifetime.

I like how this photo makes it look like I'm looking out a window and getting a peak of the city, because that's how Barcelona was to me in the beginning of this program, not yet immersed, just observing. Three months later and I'm not just looking out a window, I'm living it fully and completely." 

- AUTRA NAMVAR, UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, ARCADIA IN BARCELONA 

Second place: Building Barcelona

"Barcelona is not its attractions. It is not La Sagrada Familia. It is not its beaches, nightclubs, or Las Ramblas. This photograph depicts what Barcelona and Catalunya is. It is tradition and it is a strong sense of community. The true Barcelona experience lies within its people who are proud of their neighborhoods, culture and history. I can't forget for a second how lucky I was to experience beautiful Barcelona."

- DIANA FIGUEROA, ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY, ARCADIA IN BARCELONA

Third place: The Queen Looking Over Her Palace

"I picked this picture because it was taken during an optional excursion to Parc del Laberint. When I decided to study abroad one of my main goals was to experience and go to places I never even heard of. And this was a place that I never knew of before. It was a magical place and I am so glad I went. The excursions gave me a chance to experience Barcelona in a more in-depth way. I felt like throughout my stay in Barcelona and with the help of the excursions I have gained a lot of knowledge when it comes to Barcelona and the Catalonian culture. These past few months have been a journey of a lifetime and I have gone to places I never even thought existed, and that is what travelling is all about."

- STEFANIE FLINT, UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, ARCADIA IN BARCELONA

As for the fourth place, there has been a tie between two picutres: 

Fresh Perspective 

"Individuality, innovation, and integrity characterize great artists. Barcelona is filled with evidence of these creators, from Picasso to Miró to Gaudí. Gaudí incorporated his own perspective into each of his buildings, taking ownership of the design process from beginning to end. His designs were fearless and pushed limits. His architecture inspires other revolutionary creators to test new theories, think conceptually, and take risks. Barcelona's striking architecture continues to breathe fresh air into design history, inspiring all designers, architects, and artists who visit." 

- GINA KUHLMANN,  UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, ARCADIA IN BARCELONA

My Barcelona experience treated me "Güell"

"My study abroad experience has exceeded any expectations that I could have ever had. I fell in love with the city of Barcelona from my very first week here. From the unique culture, to the traditional Catalan language, to the delicious tapas, to the extraordinary architecture, to all the new amazing friends I've made, everything has come  together to make this place the most wonderful place on earth in my eyes. I've had so many breathtaking and life-changing experiences throughout my short time here, but my favorite experience in the city has been visiting the famous destination of Park Güell. This specific place in Barcelona was very touching for me because I remember seeing Park Güell in my favorite childhood movie, The Cheetah Girls, and wanting to go there one day and go on the same adventures as them. Although this was my childhood dream, it was very touching to see that I made my childhood dream a reality and made it my own unique experience. 

Although my time in Barcelona is coming to an end very soon, the memories I made will forever remain alive. El meu cor romandrà per sempre en aquesta increïble ciutat de Barcelona [My heart will forever stay in this amazing city of Barcelona]." 

-  JENNIFER PINA, DENISON UNIVERSITY, ARCADIA IN BARCELONA