MADRID -> LEON-> ASTURIAS -> BARCELONA-> SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA -> BILBAO -> AMSTERDAM
From August through September of 2015 I participated in an Early Fall Start study abroad program through the Jackson School of International Studies and the Sociology department. During the course of this program, my class traveled to four different parts of Spain to learn about current social, political, and economic conflicts plaguing much of Spain and the European Union as a whole. While we did have a couple of lectures distributed throughout the program, our class really focused on active, hands on learning experiences. We met with leaders of prominent social justice movements and took part in their meetings, organized and participated in the first ever public debate in which all major political parties were attending and were featured in the Spanish media because of this, and focused our time on working to advance minority and immigrant rights in a country struggling with racial injustice.
While the program material was, at times, heavy and often heartbreaking, our class also made sure to really immerse ourselves in the Spanish culture and take part in experiences that would help us feel integrated in a new country. We had frequent outings to museums, beaches, and historical sites and were giving free reign to explore the country and the rest of Europe when class was not in session. Though this program focused on four different sites in Spain, I made it a point to explore more and found great company in those who sought to travel outside of the class itinerary with me. I walked a portion of El Camino de Santiago, a religious pilgrimage that attracts thousands each year. I learned to cook paella and other delicacies at a cooking course. I frolicked on the beach and almost got swept away into the Mediterranean ocean in Barcelona and ventured into the deep Valporquero caves in Leon. Studying abroad really allowed me to see how much of the world I have yet to open my eyes to and really solidified in my mind that traveling will always have to be a priority in my life. I learned that I am a risk taker and an adventurer, but most importantly, I learned that if the food looks good, just eat it!
While the program material was, at times, heavy and often heartbreaking, our class also made sure to really immerse ourselves in the Spanish culture and take part in experiences that would help us feel integrated in a new country. We had frequent outings to museums, beaches, and historical sites and were giving free reign to explore the country and the rest of Europe when class was not in session. Though this program focused on four different sites in Spain, I made it a point to explore more and found great company in those who sought to travel outside of the class itinerary with me. I walked a portion of El Camino de Santiago, a religious pilgrimage that attracts thousands each year. I learned to cook paella and other delicacies at a cooking course. I frolicked on the beach and almost got swept away into the Mediterranean ocean in Barcelona and ventured into the deep Valporquero caves in Leon. Studying abroad really allowed me to see how much of the world I have yet to open my eyes to and really solidified in my mind that traveling will always have to be a priority in my life. I learned that I am a risk taker and an adventurer, but most importantly, I learned that if the food looks good, just eat it!