Study Abroad Highlights
April 11, 2025 Written by CAS Staff
This past summer and winter, DLLC study abroad programs took students across the globe to experience new and diverse cultures and climates. Participants visited volcanoes and glaciers, museums and theaters, farms and factories; they learned to cook regional specialties and to appreciate their host country’s history. Above all, they had the opportunity to experience everyday life in another language and to form lasting international friendships.
Athens Winter 2025: “Victors and Spoils: Competition in Ancient Greece”
This winter, Tyson Sukava (Ancient Greek and Roman studies) and 16 students traveled to Greece to explore themes of ancient competition. They were accompanied by David Satran, who led an English program on Biblical and Classical literature. With Athens as their home base, students also visited sites in central Greece and the Peloponnese. Highlights included the Bronze Age palace of Mycenae, the towering monasteries of Meteora and a riveting soccer match between two rival Greek teams at the Panathinaikos stadium. It was an adventure for all, earning each student a crown of victory for embracing the experience to the fullest.
Leipzig, Germany
Twelve UD students arrived in Leipzig, Germany, at the beginning of January with program director Diane Richardson and spent the next four weeks learning German, exploring the city and experiencing German culture firsthand. Culinary highlights in Leipzig included a three-course meal at Auerbach’s Keller, a 500-year-old restaurant, and a three-course cooking class, during which students made specialties from the state of Saxony, where Leipzig is located. Students enjoyed visiting the local brewery, the BMW factory and the zoo, as well as many other churches and museums that highlight Leipzig’s role in the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. There were weekend excursions to the medieval town of Erfurt as well as to the German capital, Berlin.
Granada Summer
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offered two Granada summer programs in 2024, both unforgettable journeys of language, culture and personal growth. Seventeen intermediate-level students, led by Dora Marín and Alberto Delgado, and a second group of 17 advanced students, led by Aurelia Río, assistant professor of Spanish, immersed themselves in the rich history and vibrant traditions of southern Spain. From studying Spanish at the University of Granada to exploring the stunning Alhambra, every moment was filled with learning and adventure. A day trip to Seville and Córdoba enriched the participants’ understanding of Spain’s diverse heritage. Unique experiences like flamenco dancing, Spanish cooking classes, a visit to a local olive farm and bonding with host families made this program truly transformative. A perfect blend of academic and cultural exploration, this experience left a lasting impact on all who participated.
Granada Winter
This past January, Lara Boyero Agudo set off on an unforgettable adventure with 19 students ready to experience Spain to the fullest. Some were so excited they arrived early to catch the last Christmas celebrations and the madness of Three Kings' Night (“la Noche de los Tres Reyes”). Once in Granada, it was non-stop excitement—wandering its streets, soaking up the sun while enjoying tapas and being blown away by Andalusia’s incredible Arab heritage. Throughout their stay, the group laughed, explored and truly lived the Spanish way.
Morocco Winter
In January 2025, Khalil Masmoudi and Ikram Masmoudi of DLLC’s Arabic program led UD's winter session study abroad program in Morocco, in its seventh edition since its conception in 2015. Nine students from different majors and departments (DLLC, ROTC, fashion, international relations, economics and engineering) participated. Based in Rabat at the American Language Center, the program incorporated deep cultural immersion through excursions, guided tours and visits of major Moroccan imperial cities (Fes, Tangiers and Marrakech). The group traveled through the Atlas Mountains, camped in the Sahara desert, and enjoyed meeting indigenous people and sharing their food and music. Beyond Morocco, the group crossed the Mediterranean to visit Granada, Spain, and to learn about the historic and cultural connections between Medieval Spain and North Africa. More than just an academic experience, the program offered the students a unique opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa.
Costa Rica
The University's month-long, winter session study abroad program in Costa Rica, led by Alex Selimov, offered students opportunities to enhance their conversational Spanish and learn about biodiversity in Manuel Antonio National Park. Having an opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat was a big part of the immersive experience. The group also visited volcanoes, animal sanctuaries and coffee plantations. Interactive excursions to museums and the National Theater allowed students to engage directly with Costa Rican cultural heritage. Students expressed their appreciation for a trip filled with learning, laughter and joy: "Pura Vida," as locals would say.
Argentina
The winter 2025 Buenos Aires Study Abroad program, led by Meghan McInnis-Domínguez, was a remarkable success. Twenty-three students studied at Universidad de Caece while living with local host families. Students excelled in their Spanish language courses while immersing themselves in Argentine culture through organized excursions to Recoleta Cemetery, MALBA, the Evita Museum and a traditional Argentine ranch (“estancia") where they enjoyed horseback riding and authentic “asado.” Beyond scheduled activities, participants independently explored Buenos Aires's botanical gardens, bookstores and arts markets. A highlight was the student-favorite optional trip to Calafate to visit Glacier National Park. The breathtaking majesty of the ancient ice formations provided students with a profound, life-changing perspective on Argentina's natural wonders. Throughout the program, students demonstrated exceptional engagement and enthusiasm for improving their Spanish skills.
Martinique
A group of seven students traveled to Martinique this January with faculty director Flora Poindexter to immerse themselves in the island’s culture. They stayed with Caribbean host families, took classes at the Université des Antilles with local instructors, and participated in a brief internship, which allowed them to work in local businesses or establishments for one day. The excursions took students to the World Heritage volcano Mount Pelée, the Caravelle Peninsula and its unique biodiversity, and the Domaine de la Pagerie, a former plantation and the birthplace of Joséphine de Beauharnais, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Students left Martinique with lifelong friendships with their local families and lasting memories of this beautiful island.
