Bilbao is an incredible city Past Review
By Sydney S (Fine Art, SMFA - School of the Museum of Fine Arts) for
API (Academic Programs International): Bilbao - Universidad del Pais Vasco
Absolutely...I learned a lot about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, etc. When you are the minority (i.e. not a native citizen, and spanish is not your first language) you are pushed outside your comfort zone which can be very challenging. But overall, I wouldn't change any of that because it was such an integral part of the experience. The city is great, and although the classes were lacking in certain ways, that only allowed more time for me to explore the culture of Bilbao.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of the Basque Country |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While I feel that I learned a lot during my time abroad, the studio art classes at the University of the Basque Country weren't mindblowing. It was a good studio environment, but it the skills they were teaching seemed somewhat elementary. However, this may have been because I was in more introductory classes because of the language barrier? The schedules of the professors were very relaxed which made it difficult to contact them sometimes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
API is a great program, and they make the study abroad experience much easier. My program director Andrea was there anytime we needed her, and made a great effort to schedule times where we would all meet as a group and do something around the city together. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in the neighborhood of Erandio. It was great to live with a host family, because it created such a deep immersion into the culture. However, it proved to be difficult (I think it was just the woman i lived with in particular) to navigate some of the cultural differences and boundaries. It was ultimately very educational and satisfying, but difficult at times. |
| * Food: |
THE FOOD IS AMAZING! I was a pretty adventurous eater when i was there and it was so delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bilbao is an incredible city. The people are wonderful if you put in the time and effort to get to know them. I had an amazing time going to museums, wandering the streets, eating delicious food and drinking wine. The nightlife is a lot of fun too! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened during my stay there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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