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It was such a simple but deep dive into Spanish and Latin culture that stuck with us.
Sydney Ross, Duke in Spain (Summer 2025)
What is your favorite memory from Duke in Spain?
A few students and I always joked that all roads led to Gran Via (the New York strip of Spain) and it was so funny because every other time we went out on our own or with the class we legitimately were always only like 5 minutes from it.
What was your most memorable class activity?
We went salsa dancing as our last class for 390A with Professor Lamonte. It was so fun because it was such a simple but deep dive into Spanish and Latin culture that stuck with us. It was an amazing way to build a bond with the class and a great way to send us off.
I used some free time in Llanes, Asturias to explore a small beach with some cute caves.
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This was taken right outside the beautiful city of Toledo.
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Carlos and I took a light stroll near a historic church on our decent down the mountain in Asturias.
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We had such a fun afternoon in Mallorca at the Rafa Nadal Academy!
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Why did you decide to do Duke in Spain?
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I am Spanish major, and I decided to add it as a second major a little late considering the number of classes I have to take. I needed the extra two classes at such a high level. I also did a summer program the year before at Duke that was not study abroad, and I really enjoyed the experience, so I knew I was comfortable losing free time over the summer to study and learn, and I was also good with being away from home or in a different situation than the norm.
What was your greatest takeaway from the program?
I feel like my circumstance is a little different because I lived in the dorm. I will say home stay residents definitely get a more immersive experience but everyone in the program learns something new and picks up phrases. I feel like my Spanish improved conversationally because in class you internalize the small sayings other students use and can immediately test them out when you go out and meet other Spanish speakers. I feel like before, I couldn’t really express emotions; like in English people say “wow” or things like that. I never felt comfortable or knew a range of short emotional words, but after, I feel like I can contribute more to a conversation more casually.
How will this program play into the rest of your undergraduate experience?
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I want to study more about social structure in other countries. I have a good idea of how some Latin American countries and the US work, but Spain was so different than what I imagined and this intrigues me. I would love to take some classes and get to know more people with experience in other social structures.
What advice do you have for students considering this program?
Don’t worry about your Spanish level—you will catch up regardless of where you start. Participate even if you feel like you might make a mistake trying to get your point across it will only help you get better. Do things in Spanish like talking to workers, talk to your classmates or yourself in Spanish to get into the headspace and flow. Explore as much as you can. Take a weekend trip or go out and try new food. Try to get to know your classmates early on. Go to El Rastro (famous thrift market).