Spain: Aidan Riehl (Learning on Excursions)
Program: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Academic Year
Last month, I went on an excursion to the Spanish city of Salamanca. Salamanca is very related to the Spanish history I’ve been studying in class, especially because of the historic university that has shaped the city over centuries.
We started at the Puente Romano, a bridge from Roman times. It was strange (in a good way) to stand on something built so long ago that’s still part of daily life. It made the idea of Roman Hispania feel more real, not just something from a textbook.
As we moved through the historic center, I noticed how layered everything felt. The university buildings, in particular, reminded me of Spain’s role in early modern Europe. Salamanca wasn’t just a city—it was a center of knowledge and power. Seeing the Universidad Civil and walking along Calle Compañía made me think about how education, religion, and politics were all connected here. Seeing the Universidad Civil and walking along Calle Compañía made me think about how education, religion, and politics were all connected here.
The cathedrals (pictured left) stood out the most. Having both the old and new ones side by side felt like a physical, visual timeline of Spanish history, from medieval to early modern periods.
It made me think about how Spain is constantly evolving but still holding onto its past.
By the time we reached Plaza Mayor, the atmosphere felt lighter and more modern. Standing there, I realized that Salamanca isn’t frozen in history—it’s a place where all those layers still exist together, and people just live their lives around them.
Aidan Riehl
Program Name: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Major: Spanish
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
I chose my program because I’ve always wanted to live in a super big city, and Madrid is the largest city in Spain. I’m super excited to involve myself in Madrid’s famous gay community!