Immersive Experience
Ohio Wesleyan Student Explores Art and Culture during a Semester in Barcelona, Spain
Name: Julia Ryan '27
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
High School: Olentangy Berlin High School
Majors: Business Administration and Studio Art
Minor: Entrepreneurship
OWU Connection Experience: Semester in Spain through the AIFS Abroad's Barcelona Visual Arts and Design program
Why This Opportunity?
"I was interested in studying abroad at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain (UAB) because I love traveling, and I have a desire to see and experience as much of the world as I can. Study abroad specifically was something I had been interested in ever since applying to Ohio Wesleyan University. OWU provides genuinely unique opportunities for students from any background to study abroad or participate in off-campus learning opportunities."
OWU provides genuinely unique opportunities for students from any background to study abroad or participate in off-campus learning opportunities."
My Experience
"I really admired the lifestyle in Spain and Barcelona. During my time here, I felt that I was able to step back from the things I normally stress about and participate in the local culture. I felt comfortable making connections with people, having long conversations, sitting down for meals, spending time with friends after class, engaging with my instructors, and more.
"While in Spain, I took four classes: Cultural Photography, Urban Sketching, Intercultural Communication, and Entrepreneurship/Design Thinking. I enjoyed engaging in a new learning style. Classes at UAB were structured much differently from classes at OWU. Courses focused on discussion and interaction. Assessment was on group projects or long-term project-based work.
"This helped me learn about what helps me truly learn in a classroom and what keeps me organized, all while exploring a culture different from my own and living in an incredibly beautiful place. Learning abroad truly can be a life-changing experience, no matter where you go, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and to everyone who supported me on both the ups and the downs of my journey."
My Favorite Moment
"There were so many amazing moments during my study abroad that it makes it hard to pick one. A day that does stand out to me, though, was the last day of my program.
"On April 23, Barcelona celebrates La Diada de Sant Jordi (St. George's Day). It is a beautiful day, where the city is covered in booths selling roses and books. It celebrates the legend of the patron Sant Jordi freeing a princess by slaying a dragon and roses sprouting from the dragon's blood.
"It is also World Book Day, the anniversary of the deaths of both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, which is why books are sold and exchanged as well. I spent the day drawing and painting the city and exploring all the beautiful shops and festivities. I was given a yellow rose by a stranger who liked my drawings and saw visitors and locals alike celebrating the day.
"It was a day of celebration and reflection, and one that many locals told me was their favorite day of the year."
Lessons Learned
"During my study abroad experience, I learned many lessons about myself, my plans, and my education. I gained a lot from my classes, especially my urban sketching class, where each class would travel to different famous spots in Barcelona to draw and paint.
"I learned about art experimentation and new techniques. I gained confidence in public. I learned about travel; when studying abroad, it's very common to take weekend trips, sometimes with friends you only recently met. I learned about traveling on a budget and creating travel itineraries. This helped me get better at prioritizing my time."
My Campus Involvements
"I am the president and founder of Trailbound Outdoor Adventure Club. A member of the Interfaith SLU (small living unit), where I participate in and plan events to educate about faith inclusion, appreciation, and coexistence. I am the chaplain of and a member of the Alpha Rho Chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority. I am also an active member in the Ski & Snowboarding Club, the Equestrian Club, and the Rock Climbing Club. I am in the Honors Program, a Corns Business and Entrepreneurial Scholar, an Education Fellow, and a Women in Business and Entrepreneurship Scholarship recipient."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan for the amazing academic, extracurricular, and travel opportunities as well as the community I had seen while living in Delaware during middle and high school. Ohio Wesleyan also provided scholarship and financial aid opportunities that helped me be able to focus on my growth and learning while in university."
My Plans After Graduation
"While I am still unsure what I will do upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan, I have many ideas! I would love to continue to work in travel education as well as continue my journey of art entrepreneurship.
"I feel both more confident in myself and my goals. Time away from my typical routine and in a new place and culture gave me a great opportunity to reflect on what is important to me while continuing to explore.
"Currently, I am applying to internships and seeing what happens. OWU has helped prepare me for my future, both by giving me the tools and the lessons to take on challenges and the unexpected that comes my way. I look forward to seeing where my OWU education and experiences will take me."