Spain: Brooke Johannes

Program: CIEE Summer Language and Culture in Alcala, Summer

Brooke’s Major: Global Health

A woman with long red hair and clear glasses smiles while sitting at a table with churros and two cups of chocolate.
This is me enjoying some churros con chocolate!

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW–Madison?

In class at UW–Madison, there is a lot more homework than during my study abroad program. I also found the classes during my program more interesting because they were very niche. For example, I took a gastronomy class and a class about Spanish history through film. I did find that like at UW–Madison, there were still lots of people to help me through what I was trying to communicate. Most of my professors knew at least conversational English, or someone in my class would know the word or phrase I was trying to say.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I was accepted in Spain. Being a first-gen student did not impact my experience either. I did however find that many people were interested in my red hair, so I would tell other students with red hair to be aware that there will be many stares and comments about it, but it does come from a place of interest.

Two girls walking in the sunny square of San Sebastian
This is me and a friend I met on the program exploring San Sebastian after enjoying a long beach day!

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

One thing I really enjoyed was the Mediterranean diet. Tomatoes are my favorite food, so learning to incorporate them into most meals when I was in Spain was so much fun. My host mom has sent me some recipes from different Spanish cookbooks and some family recipes of hers!