Seventeen University of Nevada, Reno students are studying on the USAC San Sebastián, Spain program this semester. As with all USAC programs, the experience is not only a great opportunity for them to study overseas, but also to truly immerse themselves in the culture, language, activities and events of their host country. The USAC Resident Director in San Sebastián recently shared some examples of their experiences abroad.
All seventeen students regularly meet with their conversation partners - an important first step into the local culture. Most of the students have at least two conversation partners each – a few have three or more. They meet with their conversation partners as often as they want and spend half of the time practicing English and the other half speaking either Spanish or Basque. This activity is an effective way for them to build friendships with local students.
Several Nevada students are also taking integrated classes with local Spanish students. Eric Bischoff, Michelle Bowman, Marc Bristol, Tom Crowther, Hollis Laird, Robin Reaney and Silvia Villanueva are enjoying an integrated class on popular culture:From Elvis to Rap: 50 Years of History as Seen through Rock Music (1955-2005). They are having a blast studying the music, documentaries, slogans, advertising, newspapers and television clips. Kimberly Evans, Charlie Hagen, Katelin Jones and Hollis Laird are taking an integrated Basque Dance class together with seventeen local students from the University of the Basque Country. Basque dance is characterized by differences in style and function, allowing for group participation and lots of fun. Cody Griffin is enjoying an integrated class on Comparative Social Movements and Silvia Villanueva is taking an integrated class on Politics and Science Fiction.
Many of the students also have part-time jobs. This is another great way for them to make contact with locals and integrate themselves in daily life. Kimberly Evans and Robin Reaney have done student teaching at a local academy. Together with other USAC students they worked intensively during the first month of their stay teaching English to pupils in a local language academy. Michelle Bowman is also tutoring a 6 year old twice a week.
Nevada students also make the most of their time abroad by participating in local clubs and activities. Tom Crowther and Kimberly Evans have joined the Basque Hiking Club, a particularly good way to meet local people. There are many levels of hikes, from easy to very challenging treks. The students can also participate in all of the many events, excursions, courses and trips organized by the local hiking club. Tom Crowther, Kimberly Evans and William Walker have also joined a local surfing school and are learning to surf with locals.
And, of course, travelling is a significant part of the experience abroad. Many students take advantage of the proximity of San Sebastián to other towns in Spain and France and have already visited other sites in the Basque Country. Many of them have even travelled to Barcelona, Paris and Italy. All of these experiences will likely provide lifelong memories for these students.
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Following is a list of all seventeen University of Nevada, Reno students who studied in San Sebastián this semester:
Kevin Jensen, Health Ecology Major
Michelle Bowman, Health Ecology Major
Ryan Bresler, International Business Major
Marc Bristol, International Business Major
William Walker, Business Major
Eric Bischoff, International Affairs Major
Tom Crowther, Biology Major
Kimberly Evans, Elementary Education Major
Cody Griffin, Political Science Major
Charlie Hagen, Nursing Major
Katelin Jones, Geography Major
Robin Reaney, Nutritional Sciences Major
Sean Stapleton, Pre-law Major
Silvia Villanueva, Journalism Major
Erica Warwick, Spanish and Linguistics Major
Hollis Laird, Undecided
Amy Leggett, Undecided
