My experience from Canada of my time in Bilbao and Valdegovía in Instituto Hemingway
Hope you are well. I sure am, but missing Bilbao and Valdegovía soooo much. I just wanted to thank you for helping us throughout our trip in Bilbao. I have learned so much from your wine tasting classes and from the people of Bilbao. The lifestyle in Spain has made me realize how our society in Canada focuses to much on work and is why we are so stressed most of the time. Having more than one glass of wine a day is not typical here at 4 in the afternoon because there are other things to do. I love how Bilbao does not have a McDonalds or Starbucks in site and most of the stores and restuarants are run by local people and families. You get a more personal experience, and the quality is way better when businesses are run this way. This certainly is not the case in Toronto. The scenery is just gorgeous and the people are so sweet there. Though I did think that people were being racist when I was called Chino at first but our friend who works at the internet cafe below our apartment in Zabalbaru explained to us that, that is how people communicate with others. That was definately culture shock to me when I first heard that. I also wanted to thank you for showing us your home in the mountains, it is beautiful up there. As well, please thank Unai for the horsebackriding and barbeque and Alfonso and Wiso for taking us paragliding. They were so nice, welcoming and giving. Staying in Bilbao for 1 month at
Instituto Hemingway was definately not long enough. The girls and I plan to come back again. But this September I plan to teach in Korea for about a year and I will definately come back to visit wonderful Bilbao and the rest of Europe. By the way, since Canada does not have a soccer team, and is only good in hockey. I have been cheering for ESPANA in the FIFA world cup. I bought the Spain jersey and will be celebrating on Sunday when they win the world cup! There are some pictures attached. Please keep in touch.
I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed my internship with Instituto Hemingway.
por Ernest 2010-08-12
I participated in the Hospitality Management scheme offered by Instituto Hemingway. It was a great experience. I made some amazing friends, perfected my Spanish and improved my confidence (I had always been a fairly shy person) but working in the hotel greatly improved my communication skills because I had to deal with a lot of customers. The staff at the hotel were great. They really helped me get a feel for the job, and were always so patient when I spoke Spanish (my Spanish wasn´t that great when I arrived). The only thing that I think I should stress is the importance of taking the job seriously. The staff at hotel where I worked were really friendly but they take their job seriously. I was accepted as part of the team but I had to make sure that everything I did was done to the high standard that the hotel expects. However, I think that as long as you try your best you´ll be fine and this will prove to be a life-changing experience. I would also advise you to do any travelling that you want to do before or after you complete the programme. The hotel will accept you on to the team but it`s important that you are professional. Spain is a great place but going on holiday whilst you´re supposed to be working (or cutting your stay short) doesn´t create the best impression. I really miss my time at the hotel and really wish I could go back. Enjoy your time there!
por peterchang 2010-07-22
I wish I could go there. Thanks to share the great experience there with us.
por santi 2010-07-18
is Valdegovia in Spain right? What is the name of the company that organizes all these programs? Instituto Hemingway right? Thank you very much for all the info.
por Kristina Klein 2010-07-17
I read with interest the comments of Georgina. Thanks so much. I would love going there.
por Sandra Kawoslosky 2010-07-17
Hola Georgina:
Thank you so much for your message and your testimony and photos. To be honest your message, give me tons of energy because It is the king of things that I appreciate very much to listen and encourage me to work every day. I will send your message to Unai, Alfonso and Wiso and I will share in the blog of Valdegovia. As you know, travelling is very important in terms of education and self-improvement because open our eyes and broad our perspective of the word.
We also miss you because you have been very enthusiastic and full of energy. I hope that we can meet again in a next future, here or even in Canada.
This evening we have a big thing here with the football mach. I am crossing my fingers for Spain.
Alfredo
por Alfredo 2010-07-11