EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Beyond the Classroom
For Fiona Kolaj ’26, studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Study abroad experiences like Fiona’s exemplify Albertus’ commitment to experiential learning. The defining moments of college are often found when students’ eyes are opened to the world around them in new and exciting ways.
For Fiona, these defining moments happened in Barcelona. Living in a new country, Fiona discovered a culture with a slower pace of life. There, she was introduced to a tradition called sobremesa—the practice of socializing at the table after dinner. Sobremesa helped her connect with new friends, and she says, “highlighted the importance of spending time with friends and family.”
“I truly adore this about Spain,” she said, “People take their time here, walking slowly through the streets while having long conversations as they make it to whatever destination they are going to.” Studying in Spain taught Fiona the importance of living in the present and making time for human connection.
Barcelona has also opened doors to unforgettable experiences for Fiona. She described a Mallorcan festival where the air filled with energy, “kids were dressed in dragon and devil costumes, marching bands had devils banging on drums, dragon sculptures were blowing fire sprinklers out of their mouths, and bonfires were lit on every surrounding skinny street.”
Beyond the local festivals, Fiona’s exploration extended into the region’s deep roots. She visited historically significant sites, from the Roman ruins tucked within Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter to the coastal city of Tarragona. Once a major stronghold of the Roman Empire, Tarragona offered her a front-row seat to history through its “elaborate medieval architecture, remains of Roman aqueducts, and a stunning seaside amphitheater.”
Fiona’s life outside of class taught her about culture and history, but she says, “Getting to learn from native Spanish professors has been culturally expansive. The classes are mostly discussion-based, and most professors do not allow the use of any technology in class, making everyone take notes the good old way with pen and paper.” It’s a different style of learning, but one that Fiona has enjoyed. She appreciated “the cultural outlook that these professors provide with their unique cultural and external perspectives in relation to American issues.”
The opportunity for Fiona to travel outside of the United States as part of her Albertus education was invaluable. She not only studied in traditional classes, but the whole world became her classroom as she drank in new traditions, new culture, and a new country. These are the lessons that make an incredible impact on students and create memories to last a lifetime.