Most students arrive in Madrid with plans to visit a host of destinations in Spain, Europe and even northern Africa, especially visiting students, whose semester abroad is an opportunity to expand their horizons and discover new places (and, while doing so, they discover something about themselves as well). Traveling on one’s own or with a few friends is very affordable and, of course, promises to be an unforgettable adventure. (¡Ojo! Students should remember that their personal travel does not excuse them from classes or exams.) Exploring a new region guided by a professor or an expert means changing a “visit” into an incredible educational experience, which is at the heart of the SLU Madrid experience. 

Student Life staff has put the finishing touches on the Fall 2012 travel opportunities sponsored by SLU Madrid. The trips are designed to enrich students’ understanding of Spain’s culture and history, leave to and from the University’s front gate, and are led by expert faculty or professional guides. Destinations this fall include Salamanca, Toledo, and the Monasterio de Piedra.  

In addition, a number of courses include academic excursions to complement student learning in the course. For example, the Spanish Culture and Civilization class (SPAN-418) takes students to the most popular segment of the Camino de Santiago, way to the north of Spain; Oceanography (EAS-105), to Spain’s Mediterranean coast, where it holds its labs; and, the Political Economy of the European Union (ECON-395), to Brussels, where students interview dignitaries and lobbyists.

Campus Ministry also sponsors a campus retreat each term to Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits. Subsidized generously by the McMahon Fund, the trip provides students of all faiths the opportunity to explore their beliefs and spend a few nights in Spain’s lush Basque region.