Spain Summer 2019
Spain #15: “Just Like Riding A Bike”
Emma Weech ’21 considers the many factors that have helped her improve her Spanish throughout her time in Cádiz.
June 25, 2019
Mysticism in the Footsteps of Teresa of Avila
For the first half of March break, students will travel to Spain to share in a unique learning experience studying the life and works of Teresa de Avila, a Spanish mystic. This journey will introduce and expose students to classic and contemporary expressions of mysticism, grounded both within the Christian tradition and encountered outside of any formal religious doctrine.
This spiritual journey will allow Deerfield Academy students to walk in the footsteps of Saint Teresa. Our stay in rural inns near Avila will contrast with the boutique hotels of Madrid, reminding us of the diversity of experiences available today and also present historically during Teresa’s life. We will visit local monasteries, churches, religious communities and fortresses of significance in the region, with discussions around Spain’s diverse religious history. Teresa’s footsteps will lead us to the Sierra de Gredos, where we will hike and visit with goat herders, allowing us to explore local food systems in many settings, including a visit to an artisanal cheese factory and pimentón (local smoked paprika) producer. We will sample the best of the region, whether it be food, literature, music, or sport, and find time to wander with friends, in conversation or quiet contemplation, finding opportunities to identify how Teresa’s simple and well-lived life – her cotidianidad, to appropriate a Spanish word – might resonate with our own.
Program Dates
This trip has concluded. The following information has been provided for reference. Please check back soon for updates on our next trip.
Program Notes
- Families are responsible for transportation from U.S.-based airport to the student’s destination for the remainder of March break.
- During this trip, students will stay in inns and hotels. Meals will be shared in at hotels, restaurants, or picnic-style
Helpful links
- CDC and State Department briefings on Spain
Example Itinerary
March 9: Depart JFK – Madrid
March 10 – 14: Simancas / Valladolid
Activities likely to include:
- Visits to smaller towns of interest – including Tordesillas, Medina del Rioseco, and Medina del Campo – their religious communities, monasteries and museums in the footsteps of Santa Teresa. Discussions and readings will focus around the life and work of Santa Teresa, with auxiliary discussions on Spain’s diverse religious history as well as the Spanish inquisition
- Visit with a local sculptor of religious figures and images
- Cooking class focused on 16th century recipes with a local chef at her restaurant
- Visit to the Spanish General Archives in Simancas
- Day with a local musician and Sephardic historian
- Exploration of local food systems and tapas tasting tour in Valladolid
March 14 – 17: Salamanca and Avila
Lodging at a rural inn in the town of Alba de Tormes or in a boutique hotel in the center of Avila.
Activities likely to include:
- Visits to smaller towns and cities of interest – including Gotarrendura, Alba de Tormes, Avila and Segovia – their religious communities, monasteries and museums in the footsteps of Santa Teresa. Discussions and readings will focus around the life and work of Santa Teresa, with auxiliary discussions on life in 16th century Spain as well as on other important figures of the counter reformation, most notably John of the Cross
- Visit to Salamanca and the University of Salamanca
- Hike along historic travel routes in southern Avila, near the Sierra de Gredos
March 17 – 18: Madrid
Activities likely to include:
- Tour of the Plaza Mayor and surrounding streets, Puerta del Sol, and the major sites of Madrid
- Visit to El Museo Prado or el Museo Reina Sofia
March 18: Depart Madrid-JFK
*This itinerary is subject to change.
Notes from Abroad
Spain Summer 2019
Spain #14: Gracias, Cádiz!
Michelle Zimmerman ’21 shares a poetic description of Cádiz.
June 24, 2019
Spain Summer 2019
Spain #13: Cultural Distinctions
Harry Niles ’21 describes the cultural differences between American and Spanish television.
June 21, 2019
Spain Summer 2019
Spain #12: Dress Up and Story Time
Samara Cummings ’20 reflects on a special moment shared with her host mother.
June 20, 2019