Angelica Corral Travels to Spain to Enhance Future Educators' Classroom Experience

2012 Sep 13

Angelica Corral of Oak Lawn, Ill. joined by 14 other Lewis University students and faculty embarked on a 12-day journey through Spain traveling by air, high speed train and coach bus. The summer travel/study trip was coordinated by the College of Educaiton.

Barcelona was the first stop of the trip and the first destination was LaSalle University in Barcelona. A university representative welcomed the group with gifts and provided information about the campus, students and faculty. She also conducted a tour of the campus, including their entrepreneurial center. During their four days in Barcelona, the group toured the Picasso Museum, traveled to Girona and the Dali Museum in Figueras. The open plazas with all the people were an added attraction.

From Barcelona, the group traveled by high speed train (up to 200 miles an hour) to Madrid. The first stop was LaSalle Centrol University, where the university president welcomed everyone and led a tour of the School of Education and other interesting spots on campus. The Prada Art Institute and the Museo Reina Sofia were two highlights of Madrid. A day trip to Toledo captivated the group. After attending Mass in Madrid, students met with the priest who welcomed everyone and blessed them. The students and faculty journeyed by coach bus to Seville, a Mediterranean influenced city. In Granada, the Alahamba enchanted and fascinated the group with its beautiful gardens, mosques and buildings.

"Our exposure to the churches, mosques and synagogues deepened our understanding of the mix of cultures and customs in Spain and led to thoughtful and animated discussions as we traveled," said Dr. Jeanette Mines, academic associate to the provost and one of the co-leaders of the trip. "The students brought their own experiences, questions and discoveries to our class sessions that helped all of us see and understand in a different way."

To prepare for the experience several students enrolled in a comparative cultures class that investigated education, healthcare, government, the arts and religion. Each of the students researched a topic and served as the resident expert on the trip. "It was a wonderful way to learn about the country as well as have the students take responsibility for their own learning," said Dr. Pam Jessee, interim dean for the College of Education.

The last days of the trip were spent in Malaga where the group relaxed for a day on the beach of the Mediterranean before leaving for home.

Student travelers were Ryan Arciero, Nour Bustami, Angelica Corral, Sherrill Lange, Allison Penchar, Margaret Plese, Samantha Sajdak and Samantha Sawall, Tala Zubi. Faculty and staff travelers were Linda Elsik, assistant professor/director of RN/BSN and Allied Health, Dr. Pam Jessee, interim dean of College of Education, Dr. Julie Krahl, associate provost for academic support, Dr. Clare Lawlor, associate dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Barb Mackey associate professor of educational leadership and program director of ESL Program, and Dr. Jeanette Mines, academic associate to the provost.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for further information.