NMU resumed its faculty-led study abroad program to Spain this summer after a four-year interruption due to the pandemic. Twenty students participated in the four-week session, studying at the prestigious University of Salamanca, founded in 1218.
The students were guided by Assistant Professor Amy Orf and Program Assistants Lila Isleib and Rebecca Mead. They attended Spanish language classes at the University of Salamanca and also took a class taught by Orf, “Culture in Context: Salamanca,” in which they learned about Spanish history, culture and society.
In addition to their time in the classroom, the group visited historical and cultural sites in Salamanca, including two medieval cathedrals, a Roman bridge, several art museums, a bullfighting museum and a flamenco-dancing class. They also took excursions to the historic cities of Mérida, Cáceres and Ávila.
Students stayed with host families during their time in Salamanca and were able to practice their speaking skills, as well as learn more about Spanish life.
Apart from a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMU's Faculty-Led Study Abroad program in Salamanca has been running regularly since 2014.
“We were thrilled to bring the program back,” said Orf. “A study abroad experience is the best way for students to improve their ability to speak a language and get to know the culture of those who speak it, and there is no better place to do so than Salamanca.”
Plans are already underway for the next Salamanca program, which will take place in May 2024. Learn more about the NMU Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies here.