While studying abroad in Granada, I was moved by the rich culture taken in by all the senses. I heard fluid Spanish in class, saw the intricate architecture of the Alhambra, smelled croquetas fresh out of my host family’s oven, touched delicate fabrics in the market, and tasted coffee as strong as flamenco dancers’ legs.
I knew I had to return to Spain, so I applied for a Fulbright grant and was placed as one of the program’s first English teaching assistants in the Spanish Canary Islands. I was surprised to discover that I would be closer to the Western Sahara than mainland Spain.
Upon arrival to my island of Fuerteventura, I was taken aback by the raw and beautiful desert landscape. The island experiences a phenomenon called calima, a haze formed by the sand that the wind blows over from the Sahara.
The students at my school were from all over the world. I mostly worked with children ranging in age from three to six years old. The three-year-olds got so good at their colors that one of them waved goodbye to me saying “bye bye, Orange.” For Canary Day, all of the children dressed up in traditional clothing and danced together. There is also a local celebration where everyone wears white and throws talcum powder. I joined an African dance class that culminated in an end-of-the-year recital with drummers to accompany us.
What I will remember most about my year on Fuerteventura is the warmth and kindness of the people. It was rare to check out at the supermarket without being called cariño, mi tesoro, or mi cielo. Back when I took a bilingual schools course in Granada, I never predicted that I would go on to teach at a bilingual school on a desert island. As my friends in Granada and Fuerteventura have taught me, it’s not an adiós but an hasta luego.
Audrey DeLorenzo (Boston College)
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After the powerful experience of traveling to Morocco with GRIIS last spring, I felt compelled to take action once I returned to the United States. I worked with my sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc., to support the NGO 100% Mamans, an organization that helps women who have been abused or rejected by their families for having children out of wedlock.
We organized a campaign to collect clothing and monetary donations. Thanks to the perspective and sense of responsibility I gained through GRIIS, I had the privilege of raising awareness within my community back home about an issue that deeply impacted me. One year later, we’re preparing to send our first shipment of contributions to Morocco.
Everlyn Araceli López Martínez (University of Delaware)
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Granada became my home away from home, and the incredible experiences I had there will always be special to me. From GRIIS-led excursions and language exchanges with locals to full-immersion classes in a beautiful city, every moment enriched my understanding of Spain.
Now, as a member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society at the University of Delaware, I’m part of a community of students who share a passion for learning Spanish and a love for Spanish culture.
Emily Schreiber (University of Delaware)
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The original text of Emily Schreiber’s article was written in Spanish as part of this student’s experience with us. You can read it below:
Granada se convirtió en mi “hogar fuera de mi hogar” y las experiencias increíbles que tuve allí siempre serán especial para mi. Desde los viajes de GRIIS y los intercambios con granadinos a las clases de inmersión en una ciudad preciosa.
Ahora, en Sigma Delta Pi, la sociedad honorifica, en la Universidad de Delaware, estoy en una comunidad de estudiantes quienes compartir la pasión de aprender español y el amor de la cultura española.
Tras el impacto de mi viaje a Marruecos la pasada primavera con GRIIS, decidí al volver a Estados Unidos organizar algo con mi hermandad Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc. para ayudar a la ONG 100 Mamans, una organización para ayudar a madres maltratadas o solteras que han sido rechazadas por su familia por tener un hijo fuera del matrimonio. Nos organizamos para recibir donaciones monetarias y ropa. Gracias a la experiencia que me brindó GRIIS he tenido el privilegio de mover conciencias en la comunidad donde vivo ahora sobre algo que me impactó. Un año después vamos a mandar nuestra primera contribución a Marruecos.
The original text of Everlyn Araceli López Martínez’s article was written in Spanish as part of this student’s experience with us. You can read it below:
Tras el impacto de mi viaje a Marruecos la pasada primavera con GRIIS, decidí al volver a Estados Unidos organizar algo con mi hermandad Lambda Theta Alpha, Latin Sorority Inc. para ayudar a la ONG 100% Mamans, una organización para ayudar a madres maltratadas o solteras que han sido rechazadas por su familia por tener un hijo fuera del matrimonio. Nos organizamos para recibir donaciones monetarias y ropa. Gracias a la experiencia que me brindó GRIIS he tenido el privilegio de mover conciencias en la comunidad donde vivo ahora sobre algo que me impactó. Un año después vamos a mandar nuestra primera contribución a Marruecos.
