All Stories

MLA 675: Spain: Intensive Language Study

January 17, 2022

El Palacio Read de Madrid (?The Royal Palace of Madrid?)

Hola from España! It’s hard to believe that week two of our three-week trip is already completed, and soon we’ll be on our way back to Carthage. Within the past week, we’ve enjoyed more of our stimulating Spanish classes, visited beautiful art museums, seen a Spanish musical, and taken a trip to the gorgeous city of Segovia. While we didn’t think we could fall any deeper in love with the country, we definitely have. Between the friendliness of the people, food, architecture, art, music, and dance, Spain is truly a country like no other.

Some highlights from our classes this week include practicing debate, writing our own verses of poetry, and learning common Spanish card games. All these activities have continued to show us that even though we are from different countries, we’re not so different after all.

Students learning Spanish card games with Profesora María Jesús.

Our week has been filled with exciting and educational experiences, such as visits to El Palacio Real de Madrid (“The Royal Palace of Madrid”), El Museo de Prado (“Spanish National Art Museum”), and a showing of El Rey León (“The Lion King”). El Palacio Real de Madrid is a gorgeous sight to see and is the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, although it is only used for state functions. El Museo de Prado is home to numerous famous works of art, including Diego Velazquez’s “Las Meninas.” Furthermore, our viewing of “El Rey León” in the Lope de Vega Theatre was both entertaining and stimulating as it incorporated many aspects of Spanish culture and language.

A showing of ?The Lion King? in the Lope de Vega in Madrid.

Our day trip to Segovia this week was incredible and filled with some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. We visited many places including Los Acueductos, La Catedral de Segovia, and the breathtaking castle of Segovia, known as El Alcázar.

El Alacazar in Segovia, Spain

And of course, we’ve still been eating incredibly well. Our culinary highlights of the week have included palmeras, patatas bravas, various tapas, and of course, more paella!

Palmeras y Helado (Spanish pastries)

Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes)

With each day, we are learning more and more, and deepening our appreciation for Spanish culture. While our trip is nearing the end, there are still many exciting cultural events we have yet to experience in our last week. Stay tuned for our week three highlights!

Group selfie in front of a Spanish castle

-Jillian Arbeiter ’23

 


About the Spain Study Tour

THE TRAVEL DATES

Jan. 1-22, 2022

THE INSTRUCTORS

Modern Languages Prof. Matt Borden

AN INTRO

In this study tour, students will enjoy numerous and diverse outings and will take part in many cultural events such as dance lessons, cooking lessons, museum and palace tours, language exchanges with Spaniards, a Real Madrid soccer match, and more!