What's the first word of the trip? Yes, Study!

Hola!
So, let the classes begin! On Wednesday, Dr. Sicius did a lecture on Spain for all of us, discussing the different regions of Spain, languages and particular norms and customs of the different regions. Before we left Miami, at the meetings with the students, (if I felt that we were a bit off topic or if they worried too much about how much homework Marcela and I might assign), I would ask, "What's the first word of the trip?" And, they would say, "Study." That has become a theme. We have discussed what a privilege it is to be more than simply a tourist here in Spain. In my opinion, one of the greatest things about the study abroad experience that has been built at St. Thomas is the academic part of it. Dr. Sicius is such an expert on Spain and the history of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. (And, students from previous years can attest to Dr. Conley's participation in the program and of course Richard Raleigh's Ernest Hemingway courses.) This year, Dr. Moyano (Marcela) is teaching Global Media and I'm teaching Multicultural Issues in Psychology. But, it has been essential to have Dr. Sicius here teaching all of us about the history of Spain. I remember some of the stories from last year, but of course, I don't have his knowledge base so I'm taking notes again trying to keep all of the kings (Philips and Carlos) straight! Of course, I have learned the most about Philip II because he is the one who built the monastery here in El Escorial, and we have learned so much about him from Dr. Sicius. So, we have had an academic couple of days with Dr. Sicius' history lectures and the start of Dr. Moyano's class and my class. I started off my class with this quote on my first powerpoint slide that Andrea (Dr. Campbell) found for me.
Isn't it great?

Then, at the beginning of my class, we watched this video that Andrea found for me (she finds all the cool stuff!)

Click on the link below to watch something that will definitely make you smile. This is how I started my class! (Note. When you click on the link, it should appear near the top of your screen, and then you click on it to play it. Or if that doesn't work, simply copy and paste the link into your browser, but it is definitely worth watching. You may have to watch an ad first, but be patient. It is worth it!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwe-pA6TaZk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Isn't this a great mood boost? If you want to be in a better mood, this can definitely do the trick, but I asked my students, what else does this clip teach you? And, they did a great job answering. They said, that no matter the location, language, political history, etc, we all share a love of music and dance, and that can bring us together. And, you will notice that Matt teaches them his dance, and then also learns from them about their dances. The song also talks about seeing with new eyes once you go to the different places, and we discussed how this opportunity allows us all to see the world with new eyes. Enjoy!!

Below is a picture of the students in our classroom. Don't they look excited for class?

Then, Dr. Moyano and Dr. Sicius joined the picture.

Here is Dr. Sicius explaining more about Maria Cristina University and the history of El Escorial.

Here is the St. Thomas University 2012 Summer in Spain Study Abroad group in front of our classroom (Aula 4) at Maria Cristina University. I think this should be an STU webpage picture!! :)

 Adios for now!