Our second day in Bilbao was a deeper dive into both the academic and cultural richness of Bilbao. We started the morning at the Bilbao School of Engineering, where we had the chance to explore some of the student-led innovation teams. It was so incredible to see how students here apply their classroom knowledge in hands-on ways. We saw projects that included building race cars, electric guitars, and even rocket launches. What struck out to me the most was how these groups seemed very independent and self-reliant. They managed their funding and resources while also producing professional level results. It was interesting to observe such a creative and collaborative environment.

Later in the day, we headed to the historic district of the city, and took a walking tour through Bilbao’s “Old Town.” The streets were narrow and were filled with vibrant storefronts and unique architecture. Hearing some of the stories and history behind the city gave me a whole new appreciation for it. It was amazing to see how much of the city has been preserved and rebuilt through the years. We ended the evening with a group dinner that lasted several courses. Between the student projects and the tour of the Old Town, today was a perfect mix of learning and exploring.