Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Hello! My name is Cindy Rubio, I am a finance major completing the Fall semester of my junior year at the Universidad Pública de Navarra located in Pamplona, Spain! (Also known as, Iruña in Basque). 

Raised in a Hispanic household and living in America, I have had the advantage of being bilingual, which has helped me adapt to living in Spain. One of the main reasons I chose to study in Spain is to improve my native language in a Spanish-speaking environment. This is why I am currently taking a mix of business and finance courses in both English and Spanish. It’s been a great experience and it has allowed me to interact with native Spanish students. 

As part of the Erasmus Program, they provide international students with the opportunities to engage and experience new cultures. Three months into my time here, I have met students from all over the world, allowing me to develop cultural awareness and gain language skills. Within the program schedule, I have also participated in trips to Northern and Southern Spain, including cities in Navarra, the Basque country, Asturias and Andalucia, as well as Hendaye, a city in the south of France. 

One of my goals in college was to immerse myself in a study abroad experience and learn a variety of business perspectives. I am beyond grateful to Lake Forest College, the ISEP program and to the donors of the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros scholarship for making my dream possible. Thank you very much! 

Basque country:

Asturias (an autonomous community in northwest Spain):