Semester abroad
09/24/2024
While in Barcelona, Brycen Boyle improved his Spanish, took classes and taught English to elementary students.
Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable
Brycen Boyle ’25, a psychology major with a Spanish minor from Middletown, Ohio, studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, during the spring 2024 semester.
“I always knew I wanted to study abroad at some point during my college career,” said Boyle. “Bluffton made it really easy to do so and I am so glad I decided to fulfill my dream of traveling to Spain.”
After encouragement from a former assistant soccer coach at Bluffton, Boyle knew he had to pursue his dream of studying abroad. Boyle said his love for soccer led him to choose Spain as the location to complete his semester abroad.
During his time in Barcelona, Boyle took several classes, one of which included Spanish. Boyle said taking these Spanish courses and enriching himself in the culture really allowed him to gain an appreciation and awareness about Spanish culture. Boyle was also able to teach English classes at elementary schools.
“I learned a lot from this experience,” said Boyle. “Not only did I learn a lot of Spanish, I learned a lot about myself. Being in a different country, you only have yourself to rely on. Because of this, I gained a lot of self-confidence and saw a new prospective of myself.”
Some of Boyle’s favorite memories during his time in Spain involve his host family. Although his host family did not know any English, Boyle said he is grateful for that because it allowed him embrace being comfortable being uncomfortable and improve his Spanish skills.
Because of this experience, Boyle solidified his career path. Upon graduating from Bluffton, Boyle plans to travel abroad once again and teach English. After living abroad for a few years, Boyle wants to return to the U.S. and teach high school Spanish and psychology.
At Bluffton, Boyle is no stranger to campus events and being involved. Boyle is a member of the men’s soccer team, Student Senate, Marbeck Activities Council (MAC), Spanish club, history club and a student engagement assistant.