Studying Abroad Sets Stage for Career in Law

From the Barcelona sunrise to immersive Spanish classes and day trips up the coast, senior Kendall Potts spent her 2024 summer studying abroad in Spain. Potts is a well-versed traveler, having left the country over six times, but this was the first time solo traveling.  

“I think a big part of it for me was that I have always wanted to travel so I wasn’t scared. It was actually fun,” Potts said. 

While she was taking her three courses, Potts lived in a dormitory with a roommate, similar to Franklin’s setup. Different than Franklin, the campus was much bigger, spread throughout the city. In other words, she had to account for a 30-minute walk when getting ready. 

“The one thing that really threw me off was how they teach. There was no syllabus, and things were a lot less structured,” Potts said. “I definitely had to be flexible.” 

Outside of courses, Potts visited coastal cities and enjoyed the nightlife. Spain’s nightlife starts when the United States’ ends; you do not start getting ready until midnight there. Many of Potts’ nights were spent with friends until four in the morning

One specific day, she undertook the Barcelona sunrise. Potts took a two-hour nap at eight in the evening, got ready and went to the club until just before sunrise, and then headed to the beach to watch the sunrise before heading to class. 

“It was all beautiful and really fun. I really enjoyed the nightlife – it is so different than the U.S. It’s very community-driven there; there were so many people doing all the things,” Potts said.  

Potts is double majoring in Spanish and pre-law. She hopes to graduate and find a job experience that lets her return to Spain before going to law school. 

“There was something so romanticized about it. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I mean, I love being home but if I would have been able to do a longer experience, I would have taken it.” — Kendall Potts, Class of 2025