Education Abroad Program: IES: Barcelona (Spring 2026)
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Minor: Spanish; Sports Studies
About Gavin: Gavin McCue is a fourth-year Broadcast Journalism student at Penn State University with minors in Spanish and Sports Studies. He studied abroad in Puebla, Mexico, during a Maymester in 2025 and in Barcelona, Spain, through the IES Abroad Communications and Journalism program during the spring 2026 semester. While abroad, Gavin took courses that helped him complete his Spanish minor while continuing to make progress toward his Broadcast Journalism degree. Both programs gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in new cultures through local food, interactions with students, cultural experiences, and travel throughout Mexico and Spain. During his semester in Barcelona, Gavin also completed an internship in social media, which allowed him to build professional connections, gain valuable experience, and feel more connected to the local community. One of the most meaningful parts of his education abroad experiences was having the opportunity to explore so many unique places around the world while growing both personally and academically. These experiences are ones Gavin will never forget and are a major reason he became a peer adviser: to help other students discover the many academic, cultural, and personal opportunities that studying abroad can provide.
Advice to Prospective Education Abroad Students: A Penn State education abroad program is an incredible way to experience new cultures, meet people from around the world, and grow both personally and academically. Whether you are interested in traveling, taking courses that count toward your degree, completing an internship, or simply experiencing life in a different country, there is a program for you. I know that choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, so I am happy to share my experiences and help prospective students navigate their options, find a program that fits their academic and personal goals, and make the most of their time abroad.
To get in touch with Gavin about his experience abroad, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu and address your email to him!