Name: Haley Otman
Major: Spanish
Program: Granada through API
Traveled Abroad Before: No

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: Two things come to mind: faces of my new friends and sights that I have seen.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I was definitely going to be studying in a Spanish-speaking country, and I chose Spain because I would also have the opportunity to see more of Europe. I specifically chose Granada because the pictures looked like a place I would want to live- a city but not one that was too big like Madrid. Additionally, Granada is one of the most affordable places in Spain and has great weather- cold for them is 60 degrees.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: - The people are very honest! My host mom flat-out told me which one of her children is her favorite, and she recommended that I work out in the park! I was a little offended at first, but then I thought, "well, it is true that I've gained a few pounds since I got here..." She (and other Spaniards I have met) did not do it to be rude, and I actually like it because I knew that when I asked her a question I was going to get an honest answer. - Soup is very popular and almost every lunch consists of a soup with some or all of the following: garbanzo beans, rice, white beans, chicken broth, short noodles. - If you dress like you are working out (i.e. sweats and a t-shirt with running shoes), you better actually be working out or else you will get a lot of weird looks. People really get ready every time they leave the house. - The classes did not have the same emphasis on homework and daily graded activities as U.S. classes. A lot of my classes were mostly just exams and if you missed a class you didn't miss any make-up work (just the information).

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: Granada was incredible and I would recommend it to everyone. There is no GVSU program there, so you have to go with a Non-GVSU option. API was a great value for the money- they took us to Rome (flight and hotel included) and for a weekend in Cádiz in a four-star hotel, all for less than most other programs. The downside is that I felt they were not super organized in Granada (the home base in Texas was very organized but the staff we dealt with every day weren't).

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: Go to intercambios (language exchanges) so you can meet actual Spaniards instead of spending all of your time with other Americans studying abroad. Also, live with a host family- they probably won't speak much English and then you'll be forced to practice your Spanish a lot more.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: To become fluent at Spanish. I'm not sure if that's where I am now, but I know I have improved immensely and I'm a lot less nervous to speak with people than I was before.

Question? Email Haley!

Name: Ashlyn Jaekel
Major: International Business
Program: University of Deusto
Traveled Abroad Before: Yes

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: When I think of my time I spent in Spain, I think immediately of all amazing things I experienced. It wasn't just about seeing things or meeting new people, I learned a lot about myself and about my home country. Everyday was a new adventure with something new to see, a new food to try, or a new person to talk to and I think that is what I loved the most.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I chose Spain strictly because I am a Spanish major as well as an International Business major. I studied abroad in Argentina a couple of years ago and wanted another experience in a Spanish speaking country. Also, I heard the Basque country was beautiful and very different from the "traditional" Spanish lifestyle and wanted to experience it for myself.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: I was really surprised by how many local college aged kids still lived at home. I learned that a lot of them don't move out until they get married, and that usually isn't until they are in their upper 20s or 30s. It was something I had a hard time understanding since almost everyone in the USA moves out right after high school.

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: You need to be open to a lot of different foods. The basque region, and Bilbao specifically, is known for their seafood since they are so close to the ocean. Also, make sure you pack a snack when you have afternoon classes, dinner usually isn't served until 9 or 10 at night and its hard to go that long without something to eat. Also, the native language in Bilbao isn't only Spanish, they also speak Basque. All of your classes will be held in either Spanish or English, but all of their signs are in both Spanish and Basque, and a lot of their places are named in Basque. Just remember, if it doesn't look like Spanish, it probably isn't.

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: The best advice I can give you is to assimilate yourself into the culture as much as you can while you are there. You are going to be with a lot of American students, but if you don't try to get to know Bilbao and its people you will miss out on a lot of the amazing things, and will walk away from the semester feeling like you didn't really learn about the culture.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: Honestly, I just wanted to pass my classes. I was there to learn about the culture, the people, and to have a great time while doing it. My goal wasn't to get straight As (though I mostly got As, and I think one B).

Question? Email Ashlyn!