From Boise to Barcelona
A Journey Beyond the Court
Isabella Williams
For Boise State athletes Bridey O’Connor and Addison Wolden, the study abroad program in Barcelona was about far more than just academics. It was a chance to explore a new city, find themselves in a different culture, and experience life beyond the court.
O’Connor, a versatile indoor volleyball player, and Wolden, a standout on the beach volleyball team, both spent three weeks over this past summer balancing classes with adventure and cultural immersion.
Wolden stayed an extra week with her family, using the time to see more of Spain and extend her experience. The combination of academics, exploration and family time allowed both athletes to maximize the opportunity and create memories they will carry with them long after the program ended.
“What really drew me to that location was how much there is to see — the museums, the buildings, the bridges, everything,” O’Connor said.
Barcelona had so much to take in, but it wasn’t just about sightseeing.
The city offered countless opportunities to try new activities, engage with locals, and experience a culture completely different from what they were used to in Boise. Even just walking between neighborhoods, they could see Barcelona’s character in the streets and buildings at every turn.
Timing also made the program a perfect fit. Because it took place in the summer, both athletes were able to participate without interfering with their volleyball commitments back home.
“Being able to do the Maymester was such a cool opportunity because it’s in the summer, before I have to go back to Boise,” O’Connor said. I’d always wanted to study abroad but couldn’t find the time, and this program in Barcelona worked out perfectly.”
With the schedule set, their days offered structure while still leaving plenty of room for exploration.
Classes ran about four hours each morning, giving the athletes flexibility to experience the city in the afternoons. This balance allowed them to combine academic growth with cultural engagement, making the experience feel both productive and enriching.
Our classes were around four hours a day, which gave us lots of time to explore the city...and during the afternoons, from 2 to 5, the city shuts down for a ‘nap break,’ so the streets are almost empty.Addison Wolden
That unusual pause in city life gave them a chance to slow down, rest, or simply take in the quieter side of Barcelona, a side of the city they admitted was unlike anything back home.
Cultural differences were apparent from the start, and both athletes found themselves adjusting to a new pace of life. From mealtime to social norms, Barcelona’s traditions offered constant opportunities to learn and adapt.
“We spent a lot of time trying different food places and getting used to the different traditions, timing, and culture they have,” O’Connor said.
Evenings often included long meals with lively conversation, a welcome change to the fast-paced schedule of a student-athlete. Sharing food with friends, classmates, or even locals became a highlight of their daily routine.
They even took part in a local cooking class, where they learned how to make traditional Spanish dishes, a hands-on way to connect with the culture beyond just being a tourist.
“It’s so different compared to the U.S. — people eat dinner around 10 or 11 and sit there until it’s past midnight,” Wolden said. “Meals are really long, and you just sit and talk forever.”
For both athletes, these long dinners offered a glimpse into how locals prioritize connection and community, something they both found refreshing.
Another highlight of their trip was experiencing the city’s love of soccer firsthand. The athletes attended a match featuring FC Barcelona, soaking in the passion of the crowd and the intensity of the game.
The excitement of the match and the energy of the fans gave them a new perspective on the role sports play, something they could immediately relate to as athletes themselves.
Outside of their time in Barcelona, the athletes ventured into the surrounding regions, including a memorable trip to Costa Brava filled with sightseeing and adventure.
One of our favorite days was visiting Can Roda, a local winery near Blanes — we got to do a tasting and even went cliff jumping after.Addison Wolden
The combination of scenery, culture, and adventure created a unique experience for them that neither athlete would soon forget.
Another standout for Wolden was hiking Montserrat, a mountain about an hour outside of Barcelona.
“I hiked Montserrat with my whole family — there’s a monastery about an hour east of Barcelona. It was super beautiful, and we ended up in this little Catalonian town on the other side,” she said.
The hike combined natural beauty, history, and the chance to experience life outside the hustle of the city, giving her a different perspective on Spanish culture and landscapes.
For both athletes, the program provided a break from the structured life of a student-athlete and an opportunity to gain perspective on life beyond volleyball.
Leaving your friends and family for a while is hard, but it’s so worth it...I wanted to experience something completely new.Bridey O’Connor
From wandering through the historic streets of Barcelona to cliff jumping in Costa Brava and hiking Montserrat, the journey offered lessons that went far beyond academics. It gave them the chance to balance learning with adventure and cultural immersion, showing them firsthand that the world extends far beyond the court.