This spring, the World Languages Program hosted its first study abroad opportunity since 2019. During Spring Break, Professor Milagros Lopez-Fred and Dr. Natalie Love hosted a group of 11 students in Spain.

     The group began its journey in Sevilla, staying for three nights, and then continued the experience in Madrid for an additional five nights. The trip included many cultural experiences and tours of Spanish landmarks, and it served as an opportunity for students to “practice what they learn in the classroom,” according to Professor Lopez-Fred.

     The Study Abroad Program is open to students from any grade level, and the only requirement is successfully completing at least one Spanish course, or being currently enrolled in one Spanish course. Typically, participating students have a GPA of 2.5 and must register for the Study Abroad course. Offered once per year, the Study Abroad Program was put on hold as a result of COVID; the previous study abroad trip occurred in 2019, and students went to Peru.

     Professor Lopez-Fred stated that studying abroad offers the unique opportunity to “get [students] out of the classroom to experience another culture, . . . [shows them] the importance of community with others outside of their region, and . . . [helps them to understand] that there is something out there other than what they’re used to . . . where they live.”