Really sad that it’s our last full day in Spain, this trip has gone by so fast all of a sudden. We started out the day by heading back into Bilbao, which I really missed. We listened to two presentations about starting up research and the design process. There were a lot of tips and steps on how to get started and create medical products, but the number one thing mentioned was to find a doctor. They explained how important a research team is, and that when making medical devices, you really need a doctor to help consult. The second presentation was about improving ventilators. The current ventilators put a lot of stress on the lungs because they create a vacuum that can make the lungs collapse. This research is focused on designing one that helps keep some air in the lungs to hold them open and reduce that stress. I found both presentations super interesting.
We had lunch, then an end-of-program presentation, and we finished with a fun Kahoot before heading back to Gernika. I spent some time packing before we met up for our last program dinner. We went to a great pizza place and had a really fun last evening together in Spain. I’m hoping to go to bed soon because we have like 18 hours of travel tomorrow, so its time to rest up.
Even though I’m excited to see my family and sleep in my own bed, I’m really going to miss this program and trip. When I first learned about studying abroad, I didn’t think I’d ever do it. I thought it meant being away for a whole semester or summer, and I didn’t think I’d want to be that far from home. But when I found out about the Plus3 program, I decided to look into it, and I’m so glad I took the chance and applied. It’s been such an amazing experience, and I’ve learned so much and expanded my horizons. My favorite part was visiting the hospitals, asking the nurses all my questions, and comparing healthcare systems. Outside of academics, I really loved taking the funicular to look out over the city and hiking yesterday. What surprised me most was how interested I’ve become in the research process. Listening to Dr. Borovetz and Dr. Herrero’s projects was so fascinating, and I never realized before how nurses could be involved in research. That’s definitely something I want to explore more in the future. I’m so very grateful for this experience, and if possible, I’d love to go on another study abroad trip someday. I really liked the two-week length, so I hope there are more short study abroad options in the future that work with nursing students’ schedules.
Huge thanks to Dr. Borovetz and Nora for planning and coordinating everything, and for all the spring meet-ups. Also thank you to Saioa, the professionals at the university, all the tour guides, and everyone else who made this trip so incredible. Goodbye Spain <3
-Paige Colson
