Lorea Saiz, Financial Advisor, BBK (2008)
'I´ve always wanted to study in a prestigious university like the LSE and I think that it is a great experience to be abroad. Apart from this, the EU has always been an interesting subject for me and of course I thought that it was the best way to improve my English.
'I learnt how the EU works, how decisions are made, which are the main problems for the future members or which are the most important achievements in the EU.
'The programme allowed me to get to know about the EU and the English culture first hand. The experience has also expanded my worldview and has given me the opportunity to discover new abilities of myself. Highlights included the well-qualified teachers, the well-organised programme and the study tour to Harvard University.'
Jon Solaeche, Deputy Responsible for Business Negotiations Area, BBK (2008)
'I was deeply interested in a programme offered by the LSE, as one of the most prestigious universities in the world in the fields of politics and economics, that combined a high standard of knowledge in finance and the European Union as a whole. It was, definitely, an outstanding opportunity to fulfil one of my dreams, the chance of a lifetime.
'Broadly speaking, I gained an experience of worth at a personal and professional level, not only regarded with the people I met and the the things I learned, but also related to a global life experience that goes far beyond. All this has helped me to broaden my horizons.
'On the one hand, I brushed up on my knowledge about EU development and the dynamisation of the EU structure and procedures previously gained during my lifetime as a student. On the other hand, I improved my knowledge about the issues above mentioned through high-level education, as well as learning the "know how" from the best professionals.'
Joana Revilla Gutiérrez (2008)
'I always wanted to study in a foreign country and international relations and European studies are two areas of interest. The programme offered by the Diputación de Bizkaia and the London School of Economics gave me the opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious universities of the world within the field of economics and to gain knowledge on a wide range of European issues.
'I learnt about a wide range of European issues: among others, the EU structure and how it works, European politics and how they come about, the role of the EU in the world, etc, gaining a general overview of the European Union. Due to the international crisis we were living by the end of 2008, one of the main topics within the programme was the credit crunch. I learnt a lot about the financial crisis, its causes, how it affects the EU as a whole and the solutions that the EU holds for the crisis.
'I was able to live in one of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the world, study at a prestigious university, and gain more knowledge about the European Union. Being at Harvard University when Obama was elected president of the USA was a real experience.'
Mayor's question time
Visiting MIT, Boston
Participants stayed at Harvard Square Inn, Boston