SiS Newsletter - March 2011 - I. L.: Stephanie Davenport

Stephanie Davenport es Director of Study Abroad en Virginia Commonwealth University en Richmond, Virginia.

When was the last time you have been to Spain?
I visited Spain in December 2010 on an EDUESPANA tour of Madrid and Barcelona. I also had the chance to travel to Córdoba and Málaga afterwards. Christmastime is a wonderful time to visit Spain: the streets were covered in twinkling lights, the holiday food was especially delicious and I enjoyed watching everyone excitedly line up for the Christmas Lottery!

What do you enjoy most about Spain?
The art and museums are incredible in Spain! I could have spent weeks in the Reina Sofia, the Prado, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Gaudi’s works in Barcelona (the Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia, etc.) are a delight for the senses! Everywhere I looked there was something beautiful to feast my eyes upon.

What do you think are the advantages of Spain as a destination for American students?
Spain is a safe destination for American students that offers excellent Spanish language immersion opportunities. Spain is often less expensive than other popular destinations within Europe, but is easily accessible to the rest of Europe and even North Africa, so our students who study in Spain often have the chance to travel extensively during their time abroad. Spanish people are generally very warm and welcoming, which helps our students in overcoming their shyness with practicing the language.

Could you describe the Study Abroad programs your university has with Spain?
We send VCU students to Spain on a variety of programs. In addition to offering semester and year-long options in a variety of locations throughout Spain (through the ISEP network), we have a very successful faculty-led program with our Partner institution, the University of Córdoba, during the summer. The program is designed as a full immersion program. Students live with host families and participate in excursions each Friday to places in and around Córdoba including la Mezquita, the Museo Arquologico de Córdoba, and El Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. Students study grammar skills, Spanish culture and society, Spanish history, Spanish literature and art. Cultural activities are also included in the program such as a flamenco evening at a local tavern.

How satisfied are, in general, American students going to Spain?
We send a large number of our students to Spain each year, and they inevitably return with glowing reviews. Our students fall in love with Spain! In fact, many of the students return to Spain after they graduate to teach English, travel, or to further their studies in postgraduate programs.