Advice . . .

I have had an absolutely amazing experience here in Bilbao. During the week, my mornings begin at seven a.m. I get ready for the day and then ride the metro from Areeta to Duesto and go to class from 8:35 - 1:00. My host dad works at a hotel during the nights and usually gets home around 8 a.m., so in the mornings i usually run into him on my way to the metro which is kind of exciting. Otherwise, there isn't anyone special that I can remember. I did see the majority of the same people on the metro just because it runs at the same time each morning. After classes, my days are spontaneous. Normally i go back to my house or to my "grandparent's" house to eat lunch. I spent a lot of time with a girl named Noellia that i met at a festival because she's trying to learn english and i'm trying to learn spanish. She showed me around the city, and occupied a lot of my afternoons. Also, there isn't a beach in Nebraska, so i take advantage of the beach every opportunity i get. During the weekends I went on excursions during the day and out with friends at night. Im very happy with the time here, but if there were a few things i could have done different, here they are.
The advice that i would give to a new Deusto student . . . .

1. Make sure you get plenty of sleep. I always stayed out too late or stayed up too late skyping friends and family back home. When you're tired, it's hard to absorb information, and you can't learn as much as you should be.

2. Enjoy the moment, don't worry about whats going on back home, especially if you're only here for five weeks, its a short time and you should take advantage of it. It's great to keep in contact with your friends and family but don't let it take away from your experiences here, you'll regret it.

3. Definitely live with a host family. I haven't talked to one person since I've been here who hasn't liked their host family. Immersion is the only way to learn another language and afterall, that's why we are here.

4. Don't be afraid to make errors. Practice your Spanish as much as you possibly can, don't be shy. Ask questions, even to strangers, it's one of the best ways to learn. People won't make fun on you, in general, they're happy to help you.

5. Make friends who are from Spain, they will be the most interesting and fun friendships you've ever had in your life. Also, if you live with a host family, spend time with them. I have had some unforgettable times and conversations with my host family, and I'm really going to miss them after I leave.