Michael Keller, Pitt in Spain Summer 2023
My first exposure to Alcalá de Henares, Spain – the city where the Pitt in Spain program is centralized – left me speechless. I was initially dropped off at the Plaza de Cervantes, one of the major centers of the city of Alcalá. This plaza was composed of a variety of restaurants and shops that surrounded a breathtaking garden. The design and structure of the Plaza de Cervantes in Alcalá greatly contributed to feelings of community and engagement; whether shopping for souvenirs, enjoying the view of the garden, or eating traditional Spanish cuisine at a local restaurant, it was quite easy to connect and engage with the culture and community of Spain.
My academic experience in the Pitt in Spain program afforded me and my peers much time to explore the country of Spain, including the Plaza de Cervantes in the city of Alcalá. On a daily basis, the first class of the program would start at 9:00 and end at 11:30; the second class of the program would start at 12:00 and end at 2:30. Though the classes were somewhat long, ample break time was provided during, between, and after classes. Additionally, the classes were structured to be moderately challenging, but entirely manageable. Therefore, between and after classes we would utilize our time to visit different bakeries, restaurants, and cafes. Oftentimes, we would spend time in the Plaza de Cervantes. The proximity of all the local businesses to our academic program and the convenient design of the plaza allowed us to try new foods, attend different types of cultural events, and interact with the locals of Alcalá. The pace of life was extremely relaxed, and many people that we met were more than willing to help us improve our Spanish-speaking skills. The relaxed and flexible structure of the study abroad program paired with a tranquil cultural scene stood out to me in particular. I greatly appreciated the balance between academics and cultural engagement.
These academic and cultural aspects of Spain were completely new to me; I had never particularly seen or experienced something like this before in the United States. For example, in the United States, I am more accustomed to shopping malls or strips of stores as more common means of community engagement. The design and structure of the plaza were not only extremely convenient for tourists and community members alike, but also a bastion for the collectivist culture in Spain. This cultural phenomenon of the city of Alcalá was eye-opening, and something that I would love to experience again in the future. Also, academics of the study abroad program as a whole were quite relaxed. Of course, participation and studying was required, but not to such a degree that I felt stressed or concerned. This academic experience helped me to appreciate learning again, and I am excited to apply this to classes I take in the future in the United States.
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