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!

Name: Katelyn Roskamp
Major: Spanish
Program: ISA
Traveled Abroad Before: Yes

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: Unbelievable. Studying abroad was the greatest experience of my life thus far. There is so much to see, learn and experience in just a semester, you can't do it all, but you can enjoy every minute, soak up as much culture as you can, and hope that one day you will be able to return!

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I am a Spanish Major planning on entering the college of education this fall. I love the Spanish language and decided to study in Sevilla, Spain. A perfect decision! The city was the perfect size, not too big, not too small, but still had many opportunities available to students!

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: How different everything would seem. Whether it was look, taste, feel, smell, or sound, everything was different. The language has it's own twist in any location, the people have their own feeling, the customs aren't the same as at home.

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: ISA was an absolutely spectacular program, they have an office right in the city with wonderful caring staff members who are ready to help at all times. Sevilla was a wonderful city, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I can't wait for the day that I get to go back!

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: Do it. Just take a leap of faith a do it. Studying abroad is overwhelming & scary at times, but it's well worth it. The risk reaps a great reward. Your eyes will be open, your mind will be renewed and refreshed, and you will never be the same again!

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: I took 5 classes, four of which pertained to my Spanish major. My goals were to do well in my classes and to fulfill requirements. Although I was in school, personally I felt that much, much more of my learning and growing happened outside of the classroom and I am very thankful for that!

Question? Email Katelyn!