Kyla Spengler, Plus3 Nursing: Bilbao, Summer 2026
Studying abroad in Bilbao has honestly changed the way I see a lot of things, especially myself and my future goals. Before coming here, I thought it would mainly just be a fun experience and a chance to travel, but it ended up being a lot more personal than I expected. Living in a completely different country forced me to adjust quickly and become more independent in ways I didn’t really think about before leaving.
One of the biggest changes for me has been how much more confident I feel handling things on my own. Simple everyday tasks like navigating new places, figuring out transportation, or adjusting to a different routine were challenging at first, but they became easier over time. I stopped second-guessing myself as much and started trusting that I could figure things out even when I didn’t know exactly what I was doing. That shift has made me feel more capable overall, not just while I’m abroad but for future situations too.
Being in another country also made me more aware of how differently people live. Even small things like daily schedules, communication styles, and how people interact with each other showed me that there are so many different ways to approach life. It made me a lot more open-minded and less likely to assume that one way is the “normal” way. Instead, I started appreciating differences more and realizing how much you can learn just by observing how other people live.
As a nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh, this experience also connects directly to my future career. I know I want to work in healthcare, and being abroad made me realize how important cultural awareness really is. Patients come from all kinds of backgrounds, and even small differences in language or habits can affect their experience in healthcare settings. This experience helped me understand how important it is to be patient, adaptable, and respectful when working with people from different cultures.
Overall, studying abroad has made me feel more confident about my future and more open to whatever comes next. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in a way that helped me grow, and I know the lessons I learned here will stay with me long after I leave. I’m really grateful I had the opportunity because it’s changed not just how I see the world, but also how I see myself moving forward.
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