Spain: Matthew Norton (Learning on Excursions)

Learning on Excursions

Among the supplementary activities we’ve had on the program, one of the coolest was when we went to the city of Cádiz, right on the Atlantic coast. Cádiz, a historical city in Andalucía, is the oldest city in all of Spain, and one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back over 3,000 years. For thousands of years, the city has served as a commercial and military hub due to its strategic positioning. During this excursion, we explored various parts of the city, observing the incredible history throughout all parts.

One of the most interesting (and stunning) sites was the Catedral de Cádiz, whose construction started in 1722 and finished in 1838 (common between many cathedrals in Spain is that they were constructed over the course of centuries). Filled with several chapels, a crypt, and a gorgeous clocktower, there were so many nuggets of history to take in. I’m not much of a history buff myself (in fact, quite the opposite), but it’s hard not to appreciate the decades and centuries of history that go into every aspect of the cathedral and the city. As we walked down into the crypt, I could smell the mildew and feel the moisture in the air. Reading older Spanish and Latin engravings on the walls and the floor made me imagine what it could have been like to be there hundreds of years ago. From the clocktower, not only could I see a great view of the water, but I could take a look at all the buildings that were centuries old.

During my time in Seville thus far, I have continued to be amazed at the sheer amount of history around every corner. I can walk through the streets and stumble upon bars older than the United States itself. Visiting Cádiz through the program let me appreciate the history even more, and I’m excited to learn more of the context around these cities and their histories through my history class this semester.

Matthew Norton  

Major: Computer Sciences, Mathematics

Hometown: Hopkins, MN

Program: CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts & Liberal Arts in Seville, Spain

Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship means I get the chance to live my dream of immersing myself in the culture of a Spanish-speaking country with confidence and without financial burden. It means that I will represent our university and our country while in Spain, embodying the values of the program as I seek to expand my worldview and take in the unique perspectives of the people in Seville.

With this program, I strive to bring my Spanish abilities to new heights, becoming conversationally fluent and gaining a greater appreciation for Spanish cultures in the process. I’ve always enjoyed learning Spanish, and this program lets me dive head-first into an environment where I will read, write, listen, and speak almost entirely in Spanish. Having meals at my homestay, visiting restaurants or the local climbing gym, and studying for my classes all in Spanish will accelerate my learning and bring me closer and closer to my goal.