Campus Life

UWF students experience Spain through study abroad program

A group of University of West Florida students recently spent two weeks in Salamanca, Spain, as part of the “UWF in Spain” study abroad program.

Laura Arguea, Spanish instructor at UWF, developed the program through the Department of English and World Languages with the assistance of the International Education and Programs office.

“The main purpose was to offer students the opportunity to immerse into a Spanish language and culture experience by living with local families while studying in Salamanca,” Arguea said.

From May 11 to 24, students studied at Mester, a language school in the historic district of Salamanca.

“The experience was incredible,” said Kelsey Bennett, a senior hospitality major and Spanish minor. “The team at our host institution was absolutely amazing and did everything they could to make sure we had the best experience possible.”

In addition to language classes, activities included touring the city, dance lessons, museum visits and cooking classes, among others that engaged students in the culture of the city.

“Being in Spain opened my eyes to a different culture and pushed me to want to learn more Spanish and work harder at it,” said Bennett.

Arguea hoped that students would enhance their academic experience by gaining a better cultural and global understanding, increasing their fluency in Spanish, and exploring the history, architecture and social life of the city.

“It was a great cultural and academic experience for everybody,” Arguea said. “I am looking forward to offering the program next summer.”

For additional information about study abroad opportunities at UWF, visit uwf.edu/studyabroad.