Written by Kristina Mortenson, (University of Minnesota), CET Barcelona, Spring 2026
Being abroad is such a privilege, because there is so much to learn, observe and do. Let me talk about a few memorable experiences!
Calçotada
I got to experience a Catalonian calçotada! The special tradition of eating calçotadas typically happens during March and April, because that is when the delicacy is in-season. So, onions are roasted over a fire in tin foil. After they have been cooked, you must take the calçotada, peel the burnt layer off, dip it into sauce, and then devour it. In order to peel the calçotada, you pinch the top of the onion and simply slide your hand down to take off the peel. I poorly peeled my onion during my first attempt, but I quickly got the hang of it!
The sauce was my favorite part. It was made of tomatoes, peppers, and other spices. You know how some people are sauce people, but some people like their food dryer? Well, with a calçotada it’s wonderous when the onion is absolutely loathed in sauce. In my opinon, it makes the food more delicious.
Note: It is important to wear a bib. Eating the calçotada involves dangling a saucy onion above your head, and clothes will get stained.
Flamenco Class and Show
Another unique experience I have had while being here is getting the opportunity to learn about flamenco. CET offered students a flamenco class and show, and I of course took advantage off the opportunity.
Before attending the show, we got to practice dancing flamenco. I grew up dancing, however the style of flamenco is very different. There are several claps and stomps that make it unique. The class learned about two types of claps that flamenco dancers use. One version of the clap is quieter, while the other generates more noise by placing your hands in a different way.
I found it interesting to learn about all the different rhythms that are involved with flamenco dancing. The technique of flamenco is very specific, which makes it difficult to pick up. The hardest part, however, was the movement of the wrists. Now, I have relatively flexible wrists from my acrobatic dance classes. However, my wrists were not giving me the mobility I demanded. The dancers have flawless arm and circular wrist movements, but it is difficult! I really enjoyed taking the class, and I also enjoyed watching my non-dance friends try to pick up choreography.
After our class we got FRONT row seats to the flamenco show in Plaça Reial. During the performance, I was absolutely stunned by the dancers. I was specifically impressed by the female dancer. The young woman was SO into the performance. She was so emotive, and I am so curious about the story she was trying to express. Aside from the emotion aspect, both dancers were very talented. There are a lot of little steps in flamenco dancing, and both dancers were able to move their feet rapidly. It seemed like they were able to make 100 beats per second. In another life, I think I would be a flamenco dancer; The dance is so satisfying to watch and you get to wear a gorgeous dress.
Trek around Grácia
In my CET Spanish class, we have a big project due every couple of weeks. Our most recent project involved going around the neighborhood Grácia and learning about different parts of the area.
One impactful part of the neighborhood is Plaça del Diamant, which was one of the first places my class was expected to visit. This part of the neighborhood involves a statue from a novel. The statue features the novels protagonist, Colometa, who is a woman living in Gràcia during the Spanish Civil war and postwar period. The statue shows the hardship and emotional struggle that she went through. I have put a picture above.
On a more lighthearted note, I also explored Carrer de Verdi. The street featured Cinema Verdi, which is one of Barcelona’s most famous arthouse cinemas. The cinema includes films in Catalan, which is important! Additionally, there are small and independent cafés and boutiques. You won’t find a McDonalds in this area, because it is filled with local business. I found it very refreshing to explore the street.
Lastly, I explored Plaça Del Sol. This area was super cute and had a lot of little cafés. The little cafés included coffee and alcoholic beverages. In this area, there is a common term here called botellón. The idea is that groups of people bring their own drinks in a public place to socialize. It is a way to save save money (since you bring your own drinks) and to enjoy life. Such a lovely concept! Drinks, sun, friends, what more could someone ask for!
Final Words
Now, sadly I only have one month left in Barcelona. To students: What I want to say is that if you are thinking about studying abroad, DO IT. I may have no money and be in debt, BUT it is so worth it for the experience. Growing up and staying within your own culture is comfortable and secure, but it is so important to see the world. I believe that I have become more knowledgeable and appreciative of different cultures. I’ve also become more confident in talking to people and trying new experiences. I know I still have a lot to learn, but this experience has already changed how I see the world, and I’m really grateful for that.
This is also my final blog post and I hope you enjoyed reading about parts of my life here in Spain! Thanks for joining the journey. iHasta luego! (See you later)