Spain Sustainable Communities & Mediterranean Culture, Session 1A
June 29, 2025
Right when we got off the Dallas plane, we were greeted by new friends and mentors — their comforting smiles soothing my airplane nerves. Everyone was so amazing and friendly, immediately bonding and chatting, even with people who wouldn’t be in the same group. We even sat down on the airport floor in the waiting area and started playing cards.
When we got to Spain, I instantly bonded with my roommates — my sister, Bri, and Audrey. We even asked if we could keep our room assignments a little longer so we’d have more time to hang out together.
Spain is beautiful, and the food is even better. We’re making memories with every step along the way.
By: Abigail NB
When we arrived in Spain, everyone clicked right away — wasting no time getting to know each other. The bus ride to our hotel wasn’t too long, and once we arrived, we jumped into group activities and went outside to explore, all while learning about Spanish culture and community.
We had our first Spanish breakfast — churros with thick hot chocolate — and they were so delicious . Definitely the perfect way to start our day!
We also visited Puerta del Sol, where we learned about Kilómetro Cero — the geographic center of Spain — and the story behind the city’s symbol, the bear and the strawberry tree (el oso y el madroño).
In the late afternoon, we visited the beautiful Retiro Park, where we took part in fun team-building activities that helped us grow closer and build trust. Later that night, we had our first taste of classic Spanish tapas — tortilla de patata, queso manchego, and jamón.
Through many icebreakers and shared experiences, we’re already been discovering the beauty of life with a supportive team — a space where we can grow in ourselves so we can make the world around us better.
By: Brianna O.
