She picked the API program in Bilbao because she was looking for a unique, authentic experience. She didn't want to go to one of the major cities because she knew it would be easier to be able to speak English there and she didn't want that. She had never heard of Bilbao before, but after reading about it and seeing beautiful pictures, she decided to go for it!
Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Denenberg
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Rachel's major was Communications with a minor in Spanish. She grew up in Illinois, but moved around quite a lot because her dad was in the Navy, she says that's where her travel bug comes from!
Why did you pick this program?
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
She encourages them to go, even if they have a little bit of a doubt or are a little scared, she tells them it's one thing they will never regret they did and is life changing.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Be open to another culture and willing to learn and step outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, be able to laugh at yourself and have fun!
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Her favorite story from her time abroad is one particular day she spent with her host mom and her son. They had a delicious lunch together, which all of her host mom's cooking was delicious and then spent the day on la Ría in a paddle boat. Another story that sticks out is when Clara (Rachel's host mom) taught her how to make Tortilla, it was such a great day of bonding while also struggling through her Spanish to communicate, but it all made her better for it!
Choosing to live with a host family or in the student housing, which would you choose and why?
Rachel said she thought about this for a while before choosing, she knew the comfortable thing would be to choose the student housing where she would be with others who are studying abroad and who most likely speak English. However, she also knew she would not grow and improve her Spanish, so she chose the host family and it was the best decision she could have made. She had authentic food, a "family" like environment, and was able to practice her Spanish everyday all day! She made a connection with Clara and still to this day, 5 years later keeps in touch with her and even was able to visit Clara in February!