Faculty Director Palmar Álvarez-Blanco, who will lead Experiencing Spain: Ecology, Economy, and Socio-Political Transitions, shares some of the distinct learning experiences that characterize this Fall 2025 program.
What inspired you to plan “Experiencing Spain: Ecology, Economy, and Socio-Political Transitions“? What did you hope to accomplish?
This program was born out of a passion for creating an interdisciplinary, civically engaged learning experience designed for adventurous travelers eager to immerse themselves in Spain’s vibrant political, social, historical, environmental, economic, and cultural landscape—all while improving their proficiency with the Spanish language.
The interdisciplinary approach is central to this program because the complex global challenges we face as 21st-century citizens demand multifaceted, collaborative solutions.
Precisely with the importance of collaboration in mind when co-creating knowledge, this program also emphasizes collaborative practice through the production of a documentary film based on the methodology of participatory video. We will work with the Laboratory of Audiovisual Anthropology to co-produce this piece.
Through this program, participants will embark on an intellectual journey that blends academic exploration with the lived experience of daily life in Spain, fostering both personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world. I like to tell students who join me in Spain that, by the end of the program, they will understand that Spain is not just a country in crisis but also a laboratory for exploring current global issues and possible solutions.
What makes this program different from other study abroad programs?
This is an interdisciplinary approach to “studying” a country. The program is thoughtfully designed so that all courses follow a unified historical and thematic sequence. For instance, while one class might analyze the construction of the political machinery of a dictatorship by interviewing individuals who lived through that era and collecting their testimonies, the other classes could involve examining class differences in the layout of neighborhoods or exploring the reasons behind censorship while uncovering both state-sponsored cultural heritage and counter-art.
The program is built around a diverse array of experiences and constant engagement with people who lived through the historical moments we study. The list of guest speakers is extensive, ensuring that by the end of the program, students will have met writers, artists, filmmakers, journalists, farmers, scientists, environmentalists, architects, economists, and more.
The journey through space and time begins in 1940 and continues to the present. By the program’s conclusion, participants will leave with not only a profound understanding of the unique and complex history of a country still grappling with its past, but also an awareness of the global crises capitalist societies face today, and the innovative solutions being imagined by its organized citizens.
What does a typical day look like in your program?
A typical day in Madrid is shaped by personal preferences, but here’s a general idea of what it might look like: Your day begins with breakfast with your host family, followed by the choice of walking or taking the subway or the bus to the Complutense University. You will learn to navigate the efficient public transportation system that connects everything with ease in Madrid.
Classes at Complutense University usually begin around 10:00 AM and end by 2:00 PM, meeting either three or two times a week, like the schedule at Carleton. After class, students have plenty of free time to enjoy the city. Some students opt for lunch at the university cafeteria, while others explore Madrid’s incredible options of restaurants, with (lunch) expenses covered by the College.
The rest of the day is yours to plan, and the possibilities are endless: attend a thrilling soccer game at the Bernabéu, volunteer at a non-profit, watch a film, see a play, visit one of Madrid’s many world-class museums, or enjoy a relaxing walk in one of the city’s beautiful parks. Many students also choose to take part in activities like theater, dance, guitar lessons, Pilates, yoga, etc.
Each week, the group comes together for a fun get together, and on several weekends, we embark on longer trips together to explore various regions of Spain. I take my students to places most tourists never visit, offering a unique and authentic experience. Students also have free time to travel independently, and both the program assistant and I are always happy to help with planning.
What does the housing situation look like, and what are the benefits of this living arrangement to students?
One of the key advantages of the program is the agreement we have with the Complutense University, which allows participants to spend 10 weeks living with Spanish host families. This means nearly three months of daily interaction, sharing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and sometimes weekend activities. These stays frequently blossom into meaningful friendships, with many participants staying in touch with their host families long after the program ends—some even returning to visit them. For those who prefer a more independent experience, there is also the option to arrange accommodation in an international student residence. In this residence, students live alongside peers from all over the world, including from Spain, and while the experience is different, it is equally enriching.
What are you most looking forward to?
What I find most beautiful about leading the Madrid program is watching everyone gradually find their place, creating a sense of home even while far from their own country. It’s not just about living in a new place—it’s about embracing an experience that transforms us on a deeper level. The students who return to the U.S. are forever changed, and witnessing this profound evolution in every member of the group is truly priceless. I also look forward to those moments of challenge and tension—when we must navigate frustration, homesickness, and the discomfort that arises as we confront our differences. These moments are what make the journey so powerful—a true experience of radical transformation.
What advice would you give students to encourage them to study abroad during their Carleton career? What benefits to the experience in general to you see?
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to transform your perspective on the world. It’s a chance to become a traveler who doesn’t just visit new places, but engages deeply with the political, cultural, ecological, economic and social questions that arise from each text you read, every person you meet, and every place you explore.
My advice to students is simple: take the leap! It may seem intimidating at first, but the personal and academic growth you’ll experience is unmatched. Living and studying in a different country, and using another language daily, opens doors to fresh ideas, new ways of thinking, and perspectives you may never have encountered before.
The benefits of studying abroad are endless. You’ll form lifelong connections, gain global insights, and discover new passions, vocations, or even career paths as you immerse yourself in an entirely different culture. Ultimately, studying abroad offers an invaluable opportunity to challenge yourself, expand your horizons, and collect experiences that will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine—but will forever cherish. You never know where the journey will take you!
