Spain

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During the  spring 2001 semester, two Mansfield students participated in the Pennsylvania Valladolid Study in Spain Program administered by  Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They spent a period of  twenty-one weeks immersed in Spanish culture and language at the University of Valladolid.

Here is what our students shared with us about their experiences and  impressions of Spain and  the program.

"The  people of Spain are all quite wonderful. They were proud and excited about the fact that we were there to learn their  language and culture and were more than willing to help in any  way they could. We made so many friends that way—deep  friendships that we would not have been able to find anywhere  else.

Traveling  was another one of the great benefits. Our professors actually  encouraged us to travel around and see as many places as we  could (even if it meant missing a few classes!). They felt that  it was just as important for us to learn outside the classroom by seeing the places we were learning about. Not just in Spain but all throughout Europe. So we had the opportunity to visit Germany, Holland, Portugal, and many cities in the north and south of Spain. It was amazing to go to certain places and experience for yourself what you learned about in your culture class or see in person a building from your art history class.  It made things so much more real, so much more special."

Jessica  Swank

"Our  professors were what made class fun. They were kind and open and  willing to help us learn at any cost. We took courses in Art,  History, Grammar, Culture, and Literature. Every professor had  us call them by their first name, and we even went out together  outside of class. This made the learning experience seem more personal; it helped create lasting friendships with our teachers  as well.

As  part of the program, we took excursions to important places near  Valladolid, including castles and wine cellars and antique  cities and churches. It is really amazing to see things you have  only seen pictures of your entire life. To stand in front of a  castle, or a beautiful church from the 1100's is breathtaking.  There are no words to describe how it makes you feel.

During  our 5-month stay, we also had the opportunity to experience the  culture of Spain. We went to Flamenco concerts and saw a  bullfight as well. It was wonderful to be immersed in the  culture and lifestyle completely different from our own. The language difference, although difficult at first, became more  and more like our normal way of life. The differences between  Spain and the United States are partially what made studying  overseas so special."

Belinda  Houghtalen

If you are  interested in the program, please check with Dr. Monique Oyallon,  Director of Study Abroad, and contact directly the director  of the Valladolid program, Professor Carranza, at josemc@grove.iup.edu.

For more information about the program, click here.