Why did you decide to study abroad with API?
Meaghan: I chose to study abroad with API because they offered the most variety in locations and programs for the summer session. I met a representative from API at a study abroad fair who was very helpful in explaining the opportunities available through API and the general structure of the programs. API is an all-inclusive program that includes excursions to visit famous sites and exciting events. API also provides great student support before and during the study abroad experience. My program director in Spain was a wonderful, welcoming, and helpful resource.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Meaghan: I've made life-long friends through my study abroad experience, both from the US and abroad. I regularly keep in touch with my host mother through e-mail, and I hope to return to visit in the future. My Spanish language skills improved during my visit because I made a strong effort to use Spanish, and spent a great deal of time in conversation with my host family. I gained confidence and independence through my experience as it was my first time traveling abroad. I hope to continue to travel in the future, and I am now considering spending a year abroad to do research before I go on to graduate school.
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Meaghan: My study abroad experience was unique because I chose a location in Spain that is different from the typical Spain experience. Bilbao is a city in the Spanish Basque Country, and the region has a distinct culture as well as its own language. It was interesting to learn about the rich culture and history of the Basque region through my experiences in Bilbao as well as visits to Guernica, Mundaka, and San Sebastian. Nevertheless, my experience was not limited to the Basque region.
One of the highlights of my trip was an excursion to Pamplona to watch the famous Running of the Bulls. This was an exciting event, and I was glad to be a part of this Spanish tradition, dressing in the traditional white-and-red and eating churros y chocolate after we watched "el encierro". The orientation in Madrid also included visits to important sites such as the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and a tour of the historical Toledo. Overall, I made an effort to immerse myself in the culture, speaking very little English, trying new types of food, and spending time with my host family and friends I met who were native to Spain. This allowed me to make the most of my time in Spain and to get the full study abroad experience.
If you could do-over one thing, what would it be?
Meaghan: I would make more of an effort to speak Spanish with other American students. It was easy to fall back into speaking our native language when we were not around our host families or friends who were native to Spain. I did get a lot of practice speaking Spanish, but a little more certainly couldn't hurt!