Submitted by Victor Degeorge on the 2017 winter session program in Granada sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
Having the chance to study abroad in Spain was an opportunity that I just could not let pass by. I’ve never been able to go to Europe before, but I knew I really wanted to, so that I could see the years of history that far surpass that of America. When we first arrived in Madrid, one of the first things I noticed was the distinct landscape of the area. I’m not sure what I expected Madrid to look like, but I was definitely surprised to see the arid, hilly area we landed in. As we traveled south to Granada, the foggy, dry region turned into vast mountains covered with olive trees as far as the eye could see. After traveling through the mountains for a few hours, we finally made it to the beautiful city of Granada, where we would soon meet our host families and discover that they hardly speak any English. After settling in, our group was able to see magnificent architectural feats such as the Alhambra jutting out of the mountainside where one of the famous kings once reined. Multiple civilizations have thrived in Granada, and their influence can be seen by just taking a stroll through town.