By Annie Goodykoontz

Gaby Urias studied abroad in Spain in the spring. She sadly had to go home because of the situation with the virus, but she says that she would go back in a heartbeat. Gaby Urias is a Tempe Prep alumna who graduated in 2018. She studied abroad in Bilbao, Spain this spring. Unfortunately, however, she had to be sent home due to COVID-19.

But she would go back in a heartbeat. “I have some of my best memories from my short time abroad,” she said, “and I am dying to go back as soon as it is safe.”

While studying in Spain, Gaby got to experience the country’s culture and learned more about it. “I was able to live with a host family, so I definitely had more of a local feel,” she said.

Gaby got to see many sights and got to eat cuisine made by the host family. “They showed me different parts of Bilbao, and made it feel more like my city,” she said.

Gaby also says to anyone thinking about studying abroad that they absolutely should do it. “You will definitely not regret it and you will make memories to last you a lifetime,” she said. “While abroad, say yes to everything and just take everything in and enjoy each day, because you never know if it’ll be the last day you have abroad.”

Gaby also says that it was difficult studying sometimes because the education system was very different in Spain. “I struggled a bit with the lack of structure and communication with professors,” she said, “but just push yourself to get answers you need and just know that everyone is there to help you.”

Overall, Gaby loved the experience of studying in Spain, and she cannot wait to go back. “I am so excited to go back and see my host family again,” she said, “and resume my life in Bilbao.”