<p>When UC Berkeley student Larisa Rodriguez landed in Barcelona for her summer abroad, she arrived armed with color-coded spreadsheets and minute-by-minute itineraries. What she didn't expect was how quickly she'd learn to throw them away. In this guide to genuine cultural immersion, Rodriguez shares her transformation from dedicated planner to spontaneous explorer, offering a three-step approach that took her far beyond the typical study abroad experience. Her story proves that while tourist attractions might bring you to a city, it's the unplanned moments – from impromptu beach siestas to getting lost in narrow streets – that make it feel like home.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://blog.uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu/immersion-101-how-to-go-f… 101: How to Go From Tourist to Local in 3 Steps</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://blog.uceap.universityofcalifornia.edu">UCEAP Blog</a>.</p>
