Spain: Bilbao & Getxo - International Business and Spanish Studies

Going abroad has been my dream since I started going to school. It impacted which college I chose; I went to UWEC which has a solid study abroad program. I found this experience to be enlightening and fun. I would also say that it wasn’t without it’s stresses. The Bilbao program was amazing and getting us to do things in the community including a cooking class and a kayaking journey. The teachers were great and very understanding (I got covid my first week there). I felt supported by the program leaders and they helped me through the tough experience of being sick while abroad. The best advice I can offer is to be prepared, make friends when you arrive (friends form fast, something I missed out on from being sick), plan your trips out before leaving, be courteous of the locals, and enjoy as much as you can while there. Also bring a great pair of walking shoes as that is the main mode of transport (although there is a train system and bus system that aren't too difficult to operate). Places to visit and things to try: Guggenheim, Kalimotxo (drink native to Basque country), anything involving baked goods

I am so grateful I was able to study abroad this summer. The friends I made from all over the US and the world are some I will have for the rest of my life. Bilbao was such a beautiful city that truly offered an authentic Spanish experience. Unlike Madrid or Barcelona I was able to fully immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture without running into too many familiar American or English speaking people. The program administrators were always so helpful and patient and I can't think them enough for allowing me this incredible opportunity.

Beautiful countryside surrounding the modernized city of Bilbao, rich history and culture to experience both in the the city and rural areas. Caring and supportive staff and professors, not too difficult of workload, easy to navigate the city, safe, amazing food.

This program truly changed my life- I made life long friends, learned so much about myself, and grew a huge passion for travel! I learned more Spanish than I thought I would and was able to hold conversations. The professors and staff were so helpful and supportive. The side trip by USAC was also a blast, very well curated. I felt as though I really got a grasp of the culture from the classes I took and with conversations with the local staff. I would highly recommend USAC and especially Bilbao, Spain to anyone!

This semester was easily the best semester of my life! USAC staff made the transition so unbelievably smooth. We had an entire week of orientation going over things that I didn't even think about! Culture shock, home sickness, living arrangements, flow of classes, etc. They even showed us around to some cool spots in both Bilbao and Getxo so we could get a feel for the cities. Anything we needed they were there for us! No questions asked or any hesitations they were there to ensure we had the best time we could. Thank you so much to Ibon, Mane, Arantxa, María, and all of the professors for being so incredible!! Also, the location was beyond beautiful and very convenient to travel to and from. Bilbao has an airport that we could get basically anywhere which made it super nice. The unique Basque culture was something very cool to get to know as well.

Before studying abroad, I thought that I wanted to go to a city that spoke English, or somewhere that was touristy so that it would be easy for me to get by without learning the language. Once I arrived in Bilbao, I realized how grateful I was that I did not follow through with that first idea. I knew almost no Spanish before studying in Bilbao, but after my first few weeks of Spanish class there I could easily communicate with locals because of how helpful my professors were. This experience even inspired me to add a Spanish minor once I returned home. Bilbao is a beautiful city with very kind people, and even after traveling to other cities on the weekends I would always be excited to return home to Bilbao. The USAC staff at Universidad del Pais Vasco are extremely helpful and will assist you with anything you might need while you are abroad. I could not be more thankful to have chosen Bilbao as my city to Study Abroad in!

Everything about this program, from the initial application to the very last day in Spain, was absolutely phenomenal. The USAC staff, both in the US and on-site in Bilbao, are super nice and very helpful. The program sets you up with the basics and provides plenty of advice and guidance while still allowing you the freedom to venture on your own and study abroad the way you want to study abroad. You can have as much independence from the other students and staff as you want, or you can be fully immersed in the program offerings. With that being said, there is an excellent excursion included in the price that allows you to tour parts of the area and learn about the culture and history. In addition, there are many smaller activities (such as touring the local bullring) that occur on an almost weekly basis. Bilbao and the Basque Country is an absolutely amazing area of Spain and along with the assistance, support, and fun offerings from USAC, makes for the perfect study abroad experience.

Studying abroad was a dream of mine since high school, and USAC helped achieve that. I had always heard great things about USAC and I looked forward to the day I would get to apply and see what it was really like. Bilbao is located in the Basque Country of Spain and is full of culture! I loved every minute I got to spend in downtown Bilbao and on the beaches of Getxo. The food was amazing and the on-site USAC staff was always there if we needed help. I chose to stay with a host family, and in my opinion, I got the best one. I had a host mom and a dog that we would walk by the beach every night after dinner. My host mom took great care of me and even encouraged me to go out on the weekends and explore more of Spain. She improved my Spanish skills and now I am more confident than ever to speak Spanish to anyone. There were so many great activities to take part in and USAC did a wonderful job of making sure every student was prepared. I never felt alone or lost, because there was always someone there to direct me if I needed it. The town was also extremely safe and clean. I made friends that I will have for a lifetime and I miss them everyday. If studying abroad is on your bucket list, don't hesitate to apply with USAC! It will give you everything you've imagined and more. Thank you USAC for an unforgettable experience!