Stepping out of your comfort zone can take you a lot of places, as Zach Pishock ’25 discovered during a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, last spring. An international affairs major with minors in history and Spanish, he studied geopolitics and international relations, the history of Catalonia, comparative Mediterranean politics and intermediate Spanish — courses valuable to a career in the foreign service or security. Zach also reaped the benefits of cultural immersion and international travel. He recently shared his insights.
For international affairs, study abroad is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended, and after completing my studies in Spain, I understand why. There is no better way to develop an understanding of the global system than to see more parts of it — how the pieces interact with one another, how perceptions of powerhouses like the U.S. and China can differ, how global issues motivate people in cultures vastly different from our own .... I feel as though I have learned more about the world I want to help create via seeing and learning more about the people who make it up. Ultimately, that is what international affairs is about for me — eliciting positive change for people on an international scale.
Language immersion as a bridge to other cultures
Regardless of its benefits for my future career, I have always been interested in learning new languages. In my opinion, living with a homestay is a necessity if you are committed to developing your proficiency in a foreign language. My homestay mother, a retired Spanish teacher, only spoke Spanish, French and Catalan, which led to some communication issues early on. However, once I adopted some basic phrases and felt calmer about talking to my host more in depth, we had some fantastic conversations every night at dinner! We compared ways of living, food choices, politics and cultural traditions.
Photo of Catalonia submitted by Zach.
My Spanish professor was a wonderful resource in expanding my language skills. She met with me outside of class on numerous occasions, including to show me a wonderful Argentinean cafe in the city and to meet my family when they came to visit (where we proceeded to slip into Spanish as we talked, much to the confusion of my family!). Under her tutelage, I felt my skills were not simply improving but developing to a professional level.
Self-discovery while venturing to other countries
I made the most of a few trips. Nice, France, was my first time leaving Barcelona, and I came to appreciate how clean and walkable European cities are. Porto, Portugal, is a big city with a small-town vibe, and its beauty spread across either side of a river. Its cobblestone streets, winding in every direction amid colorful buildings, reminded me of the simple joys found in exploring a new place and discovering the secrets of a new city. Italy fed my inner explorer even more and boosted my confidence when I solo traveled for the last day of the trip.
My travels heightened my self-esteem. I feel as though I have carried myself taller since returning home, and I trust in myself and my abilities more since having been on my own. I know more about where to turn to others for support, and when I must stand on my own two feet. My travels were a lesson in growing up, cementing the transition into adulthood I had begun at Berry — but would not have been as significant had I stayed in the relative comfort of my home state of Georgia.
Thinking about studying abroad? Zach advises talking with your mentors and Berry’s office of international experiences a year ahead.
Story by senior Zach Pishock
