Chippewa Valley Times

Rachel Stein, a third-year student from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), is experiencing international student life in Bilbao, Spain. Stein, a pre-med student majoring in biochemistry/molecular biology with a minor in Spanish for health professionals, chose UWEC for its personalized education, research, and medical opportunities, as well as its collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System.

"When I was deciding to go to college, I really wanted to go somewhere that I felt I would both have great opportunities and be able to have a personalized education," Stein explained.

After deciding not to continue with the varsity swim and dive team after her first year, studying abroad became feasible. "It worked out well to do a semester in Europe for the spring semester of my third year. It's been a dream to learn another language in this immersive way," she said.

Stein chose Bilbao for its distinct environment, aiming for an authentic living experience beyond a tourist visit. "I wanted to live there, not just be a tourist, if that makes sense," she noted. The proximity to nature, combined with the city's rich history, influenced her decision.

Despite being heavily involved on campus and pursuing a demanding degree, Stein saw the value in delaying graduation to study abroad. She remarked, "Realistically, you will never have the opportunity to move to another country for months at the price you pay when studying abroad."

Stein admitted to initial nervousness about the experience, especially regarding language barriers, but the support from her host family helped her overcome these challenges. "It is the best way to truly experience the culture of a place while living with a built-in support system," she commented.

Academically, Stein found studying in Spain different yet enriching, with courses taught in Spanish accelerating her language learning. "I definitely have a lot more downtime here, but that allows for so much exploration outside of classes," she shared.

She views the study abroad experience as pivotal, enhancing her ability to connect across cultures. "This experience in Spain — the lifestyle, the people, the culture — has taught me so much about who I am," she reflected.

Stein's top five favorite things about Spain include the food from the Basque culture, the diverse scenery, the friendly people, the unique Spanish language, and the feeling of safety. She stated, "There is hardly any crime in the city, and I don't worry walking around at night by myself."

Stein's experience highlights the transformative impact of living and learning abroad. UWEC offers guidance for those interested in study abroad options through academic advisors and the Study Abroad website.