Otto Olafsson Estudio Sampere 2017

On June 3rd, our group of students from Father Ryan, USN, and MBA departed Nashville airport for our destination of Salamanca, Spain to start our much anticipated and exciting journey. All of us were both anxious and a little nervous to stay in a foreign country and relying on our second language to communicate. After arriving in the international airport in Madrid, we took a bus out of the city and through the beautiful countryside of Spain. In Salamanca, we were greeted by our respective host families. Sam and I were fortunate enough to stay in an apartment with our host mom, Sra. Martina, near both the Plaza Mayor and our school, Estudio Sampere.

Our Group in Salamanca

Each day, our host mother graciously prepared a typical Spanish breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast was usually bread with a spread accompanied with warm milk and Colacao. Lunch consisted of a different meal each day which included a meat course, a main course, and a fruit course. This meal was always the largest meal of the day, and we had a siesta after this where we rested or read. Dinner was usually later and smaller, and was normally served around 9-10PM. Being able to experience authentic Spanish cuisine was a fantastic experience as it displayed a unique part of the culture there.

The Plaza Mayor in Salamanca

Each morning, Sam and I walked through the quiet streets of Salamanca to our school, Estudio Sampere, where we had two classes each day: a language class, and a discussion class. During the first period, we learned new grammar and vocabulary, and for the second period we utilized this new knowledge through discussions and games. The school consisted of students of all ages from all parts of the world, and it was fascinating to meet people from a myriad of backgrounds and cultures sharing the common goal of learning the Spanish language.  

Salamanca and the Rio Tormes

We had free time everyday where our group would explore the city, eat at various gelato shops, or tour the city's various landmarks. It was a unique experience because we had the freedom to walk through the city and the ability to take hold of our own learning by planning our trips as a group within the city. For example, we rented boats on the River Tormes and explored the city on the water as well as independently touring the University and cathedral. 

The Cathedral of Salamanca

Every afternoon, our group would meet for activities which included dancing classes, culinary classes, sports activities, and art. 

Salamanca as seen from the Universidad Pontificia

Roman Aqueducts in the City of Segovia

On the weekends, the group at Estudio Sampere would take day trips to smaller surrounding cities including Alba, Segovia, and Avila.

Our group touring the streets of Salamanca

For the fourth week, we were accompanied by our AP Spanish Language teacher, Sr. Paolicchi. He met us at our apartment in Salamanca before departing to the train station to go to Seville. In Seville, we explored the Plaza de Espana, the University, el Torre del Oro, and much more. We gained experience in ordering in Spanish because we always dined in authentic Spanish restaurants to explore the local food. 

The Plaza de Espana in Sevilla

The Alcazar Palace in Sevilla

From Sevilla, we took a train to Granada, where we experienced the cultural influences of not only the Spaniards, but also the Gypsies and Arabic people. Each day we had free time to explore the beautiful streets of Granada, and the interesting architecture throughout the city. 

Alhambra with the city of Granada

We had the good fortune of visiting the Arabic-style palace of Alhambra as well as the gypsy caves in the surrounding mountains. This was a truly eye-opening experience as it displayed the contrast of cultures in the historic city and their various impacts on the people, food, architecture, and overall culture. 

Granada seen from Alhambra

In our final destination of Madrid, we visited the Plaza, the Royal Palace, a bull fight, and much more. It was truly a one of a kind experience to be able to enjoy the city, its food, and people all while being guided by a fluent Spanish speaker and teacher. 

The Royal Palace of Madrid

This experience was truly unique in every possible way, and it gave me the rare opportunity to improve my language skills all while being immersed in the culture of historic cities and in the presence of incredible people. This trip gave me the unique ability to take charge of my own learning by giving me the freedom to explore and with the encouragement to leave my comfort zone by speaking to new people in a different language. It was an honor to be able to enjoy this beautiful, historic, and fascinating country this summer. 

I would like to thank the Wilson Family for giving me the opportunity to travel abroad this summer and for helping me enhance not only my comprehension and ability to communicate in Spanish, but also my love and appreciation for this language and its culture. I would like to thank Srta. Hackney for teaching me the vital skills in Spanish that I used everyday in Spain and for guiding me throughout the school year with my Spanish learning. I would finally like to thank Sr. Paolicchi for coordinating this memorable trip and for accompanying Sam and I on an unforgettable journey through Spain. I learned so much from you and your knowledge of Spanish culture, history, and language, and I cannot wait to continue my journey in Spanish language in your class next year. 

Thank you