Today was a full dose of adventure and natural beauty. We kicked things off with a hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an island chapel connected to the mainland by a narrow path and a steep staircase. The climb up the winding stone steps was definitely a workout, but once we reached to the top…

This morning marked a big transition as we checked out of our hotel in Bilbao to make room for the crowds arriving for the Europa League Final. After loading up the bus, we took a scenic drive through the Basque countryside to visit Tekniker, a high-tech research center nestled in the mountains. The views were…

We started today with a trip to Bilbao School of Engineering, where we had the chance to tour several of their labs. A highlight was the opportunity to see the latest version of Dr. Herrero’s project, a rehabilitation device that now has two foot platforms to simulate walking. It was so interesting to learn about…

Today our first stop was at the local flea market in Bilbao, which is a weekly tradition here. It was full of vendors selling vintage items, handmade crafts, and flower bouquets. It was a great spot to find unique gifts for my family back home. After wandering through the market, we stopped for breakfast and…

Today we began the day with a guided tour of Bilbao’s opera house. Although we had already visited the space for a performance, today’s tour gave us a deeper look into its unique design and history. What I found interesting was that the main stage and auditorium are located on the second floor. This was…

This morning we started the day with a morning walk through the city. My group started with the cooking class at”Kitxen.” We cooked traditional dishes from the Basque Country like pintxos, which are small bites typically served on bread. We also learned how to make tortilla de patata, a classic Spanish omelet made with eggs…

This morning we took the metro all the way to the final stop on the line: Gorliz Hospital. The hospital was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and it felt more like a peaceful retreat than a medical facility. It was nestled right by the beach, so the views were absolutely stunning, with ocean…

Today was another exciting day exploring Spain. Our morning was packed with insightful presentations on groundbreaking work in biomedical research. One presentation was by Dr. Saioa Herrero on advancements in stroke rehabilitation, using sensor based technology to track a patient’s balance and stability in real time. As a nursing major, it was interesting to learn…

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…

After a long day of travel, we began our morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before taking the metro to the Basurto Hospital. There, we had the opportunity to learn about Spain’s healthcare system. It was fascinating to observe the differences in healthcare, particularly how care is universally accessible and primary care is…

Hey everyone! My name is Avery Kissinger, and I’m a freshman in the nursing program here at Pitt. I’m originally from Bloomsburg, PA, which is about four hours east of campus. I chose Pitt because of its top-ranked nursing program and the amazing clinical opportunities offered through UPMC. I am also involved in Army ROTC,…