SiS Newsletter - May 2011 - I. L.: Denise Mills
Article Index
Ph.D. Denise Mills, Professor of Spanish at Daemen College, NY.
When was the last time you have been to Spain?
My last visit was in March 2011 – my first visit was in July of 1976, so I’ve been visiting Spain for a quarter of a century! I have not yet seen all of Spain, so there are still places for me to discover.
What do you enjoy most about Spain?
That’s like asking what I love about my husband! There are so many aspects of Spain that are wonderful! First, as a Spanish language teacher, I have a life-long love of communicating in the Spanish language. If you love culture- there is no finer place than Spain for art- from Old masters to modern. The architecture is splendid – do you love Roman ruins? Medieval castles? Islamic palaces? Gothic cathedrals? Art Deco? Or are you fascinated by the modernity of Frank Gehry or Santiago Calatrava? And I have not even mentioned the food- if you have not tried jamón ibérico de bellota with a glass of tinto you are missing something special. And if you love sports, welcome to the land of the World Cup winners. Not to mention golf, tennis, cycling . . .
What do you think are the advantages of Spain as a destination for American students?
As the US has over 50 million speakers of Spanish, we are now the third most populous Spanish-speaking nation in the world. Spanish language skills are a plus in any academic or professional preparation: education, business, graphic design, health care, human services.
An American student might think her experience in Spain is all about the glorious history and art. And it is. But it is so much more. Modern Spain is no less fabulous than the Spain of the Christians, Muslims and Jews of the 12th century. Modern Spain is cutting edge design, a real commitment to green energy, an increasingly diverse population and a vital, yet distinct member of the European community.
An experience in Spain is truly interdisciplinary- an American student will learn to communicate in Spanish. He will experience the culture of a nation rooted in the past but open to the future. Spaniards are passionate about politics, film, sports, food, family, music, and they love to share their opinions.
Could you describe the Study Abroad programs your university has with Spain?
We have been sending student to the Center for Cross Cultural Studies in Sevilla and Alicante for 20 years. They have been great about working with us in terms of program and course development, new internships, and cultural programs. After this last trip I have also begun to explore possibilities for a fantastic program on alternative energy in Pamplona and possible exchanges between our Physical Therapy program and one at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. There are so many opportunities for an American institution to find a good fit for their students.
How satisfied are, in general, American students going to Spain?
I just had coffee with a former student who studied in Spain 10 years ago who returned for a reunion with his friends and who has brought his own students to Spain. Study in Spain is a life-changing experience. Students come back feeling proficient in their language skills, and confident that they have taken a first step in becoming a member of the global community. Study in Spain is a great experience for any student.
