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Art as Language: A Cross-Cultural Learning Experience Born from GRIIS
What began as a reunion between a teacher and a former GRIIS student has evolved into a pioneering classroom initiative at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas. In this article, Dr. Dolores Fernández (Professor at the CLM and Doctor in Spanish Language from the University of Granada) reflects on how art and education intertwine in the…
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Being Gay in Spain: A Personal Exploration of Progress and Pride
As part of the GRIIS seminar “Building Bridges,” Ethan Gomez, a Boston College student, chose to investigate LGBTQ+ rights in Spain, a subject deeply personal to him. Through research and interviews during his stay in Granada, he uncovered layers of history, resilience, and progress that reflect both Spain’s complex past and its dynamic present.
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Beyond the Classroom: Lasting Impact of Study Abroad Experiences
A semester abroad can offer more than a temporary change of scenery—it can inspire lifelong connections, unexpected career paths, and a deeper sense of global citizenship. In this collection of reflections, three GRIIS alumni share how their time in Granada sparked new adventures and meaningful contributions long after their return home.
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Conscious Marketing Across Cultures: Interning at Atika Karam
For Ellen Garnett, a double major in PR/Marketing Communications and Spanish at Simmons College, studying abroad in Granada was more than a language experience. Her internship at Atika Karam, facilitated by GRIIS, allowed her to explore the intersection of health, culture, and international strategy.
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Crossing Borders: Reflections from Morocco
As part of the GRIIS program, students had the opportunity to travel to Morocco, a journey that went far beyond tourism. It became a formative experience, challenging perceptions and deepening understanding of cultural and historical ties between Spain, Morocco, and the students’ home countries. Through firsthand encounters, this trip became a lesson in global awareness,…
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Cultivating the Garden Within: Learning Through Art, Fear, and Wonder
In this reflection, Miguel P. Viviani (doctoral candidate in Fine Arts at the University of Granada) invites us to walk the symbolic and emotional terrain of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights.
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From Admiration to Action: A Journey Through the Vowels of Learning
Every academic year at GRIIS begins not only with calendars and course plans, but with intention. In this welcoming reflection, Dr. Amalia Pulgarín (Academic Director and founder of the institute) explores the deeper structure that informs our programs: a philosophy of learning grounded in personal transformation, cultural engagement, and a profound commitment to growth.
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From Granada to Groundbreaking Research: A Parent’s Perspective on Study Abroad
Professor José Luis Martínez reflects on the pivotal impact the GRIIS program had on his son’s academic and professional journey.
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GranadArte: Art, Language, and Laughter in Every Brushstroke
As part of her semester abroad with GRIIS, Alyssa Viets joined GranadArte, a relaxed extracurricular workshop led by a Fine Arts student from the University of Granada.
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Learning Diplomacy Abroad: Politics, Culture, and Personal Growth in Granada
Internships and independent study opportunities at GRIIS allow students to go far beyond traditional coursework. From direct exposure to global political discourse to immersive cultural analysis, these testimonies from Brianna Curran, Melissa Wanyoike, and Taylor Anderson reflect how studying abroad in Granada can shape academic and professional paths in international relations.