Ten UNT Emerald Eagle Scholars received the experience of a lifetime this summer by living and studying for three weeks in Bilbao, Spain. The trip, which took place May 13 – June 1, is part of the Pin Program for Global Exploration, the annual Emerald Eagle Scholars study abroad experience.

While in Spain, the students participated in the Experience Spain: Contemporary Spanish Culture course at the University of Deusto. The course served as an introduction to the culture and civilization of Spain and familiarized the students with the social, economic and political structure of the country today.

Emerald Eagle Scholars Global Trip 2018The students also visited Puente Colgante (World Heritage Site) and Portugalete/Getxo; Sopela Beach; Gernika and San Juan de Gaztelugaxe; Guggenheim Museum; San Sebastian; and Casco Viejo.

“This trip was truly life changing,” said Mahsa Helforoush, biology junior. “I felt so immersed in the culture of Spain, and I learned things I never knew existed! Learning about the culture, foods, tradition and people really opened my eyes, and I cannot wait to expand my knowledge on other parts of the world.”

Emerald Eagle Scholars Global Trip 2018“This experience was more than I could have ever imagined,” said Brielle Beck, interdisciplinary studies senior. “The amount I learned and people I made connections with during the three weeks was just amazing. I am so grateful for this opportunity! My favorite part of the trip was visiting the Guggenheim. Not only did I find some of the best modern art I have ever seen, I got to have a closer look at one of the buildings that had such a positive effect on the city and created what Bilbao is today.”

“Studying in Spain was nothing short of amazing,” said Onyinyechi Duru, chemistry junior. “It was an experience I will cherish forever!”

“If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, DO IT,” said Rashid Eldoma, theatre senior. “I applied because other friends had studied abroad before me and they couldn’t stop talking about how great the experience was. It’s so easy to forget how global the world has become, and studying abroad gives you a taste of that. It’s all about what you make of it.”

The Emerald Eagle Scholars Program provides access to higher education for academically talented students with high financial need. While at UNT, the program seeks to connect Emerald Eagle Scholars to campus resources, engage them in activities that facilitate their academic success and support students in the timely completion of their bachelor’s degrees.

View more photos here.

For more information on the Emerald Eagle Scholars Program, visit http://studentaffairs.unt.edu/emerald-eagle-scholars.

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Contact: Ray Willhoft, 940-565-2464, raymond.willhoft@unt.edu