Spain: Brooke Johannes

Program: CIEE Summer Language and Culture in Alcala, Summer

Brooke’s Major: Global Health

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.

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!