Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Hola!

My name is Cindy Rubio, and I am a junior at Lake Forest College majoring in Finance. This semester, I have had the pleasant opportunity of studying abroad at the Public University of Navarre! It seems unrealistic to think of all that I’ve gained in my 4 months of living in Spain. I am fortunate to have made friendships, travel journeys, and experiences that I will never forget.

Pamplona is a beautiful, small, and secure city in the Basque region of Spain. Although it is a small city compared to others in Spain, it had everything necessary to live a comfortable life. It is also only 1 hour away from the French border, which makes it extremely easy to do a day trip in the south of France. I quickly adapted and learned my way around by walking and using the transportation system. My favorite thing to do in the city was walking around the “Plaza del Castillo” because you can experience the ambient of the city and enjoy the smell of the several types of Pintxos. This is also where the famous feast of “San Fermin” also known as, “the running of the bulls” is done every year in July.

Living in Spain made it quite easy for me to travel to neighboring countries due to the proximity, inexpensive transportation, and affordable housing. I got to visit new countries and cities during the weekends accompanied by friends. Although it was exhausting to travel and complete my studies at the same time, I do not regret any of it because it made my study abroad much more enjoyable, and I was able to take on many experiences. As I come near the end of my study abroad, I realize how lucky I am to have had this opportunity and friends that will make saying goodbye so hard.

I am truly grateful to Lake Forest College and ISEP for their continuous support and for providing me with the airfare award that allowed me to travel. I will always cherish my time in Spain and am proud to call Pamplona my home.

Cindy in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France:

Sunset in Granada, Spain: