From Grand Rapids to the Basque Country

For Ella See from Grand Rapids, Mich., five months in Spain became more than a study abroad experience. It became a turning point.

“It was the best five months of my life,” she said. “I literally think about it every single day.”

A senior double majoring in entrepreneurship and Spanish, See studied in Bilbao, Spain during spring 2025 through CMU’s partnership with USAC. Though excited, she was initially hesitant. Bilbao is in the Basque Country, where residents speak both Spanish and Basque.

“I was hesitant going in,” she said. “Even though I’m a Spanish major, it was a lot to be going to that region.”

Within weeks, that uncertainty turned into confidence.

She found Bilbao to be the perfect size – large enough to explore, but manageable enough to quickly feel at home. With safe, affordable public transportation and easy access to neighboring cities and even France, See embraced both independence and adventure.“I would say within the first few weeks I was able to find my way around just fine,” she said. “I never felt unsafe in the city.”

The program also prioritized connections. Before leaving, students introduce themselves through slideshow presentations. Once abroad, they were paired with local university students who helped them integrate into daily life.

“We got to go out and get led around by some of the local students,” she said. “They showed us the hot spots and helped us integrate ourselves.”

A new perspective on business

As an entrepreneurship major, See wanted more than travel – she wanted global business insight.

Through a Spanish business culture course, she visited companies across the region, including a renewable energy firm headquartered in the city’s metro headquarters and the marketing team behind Bilbao’s professional basketball organization.

“We were able to get experience talking to company leaders and CEOs and learn about the culture of business there and how it differs from the United States,” she said.

One of the biggest takeaways was observing a different work culture.

“Their work culture is very different. It’s a lot more laid back,” she said. “It was really cool, just as an entrepreneur, to see a different perspective of work ethic and business in a completely different country.”

For See, entrepreneurship became less about theory and more about adaptability, culture and leadership.

Building fluency – and independence

Academically, the semester strengthened her Spanish fluency. Personally, it stretched her confidence.

“I was worried about how I sounded,” she said. “But once I adapted to just communicating with locals, they really appreciate it.”

By the third week, she felt comfortable holding conversations. She even volunteered weekly, teaching English to elementary students – while speaking Spanish with them in return.

“I was able to teach them English, but also communicate with them in their home language,” she said.

Outside the classroom, she surfed, explored the Guggenheim Museum and spent time at the beach just 20 minutes away from the city center.

“Not only was I taking important marketing classes and business classes, but I got to surf too,” she said.

“There’s absolutely no downside to going.”

Now preparing to graduate in May of 2026, See encourages other CMU business students – even those unsure – to consider studying abroad.

“There’s absolutely no downside to going,” she said. “There’s plenty of opportunity when you go to another country to better your business skills, no matter what you major is.”

For her, the experience strengthens her resume, expands her worldview, and builds confidence that will carry into her career.

“It changed my life,” she said.

And for students wondering whether to take the leap?

“I recommend it too absolutely everyone.”