Experience Spanish Culture on the Galicia Field Study

Every fall, USAC Madrid students have the opportunity to take a Field Study to visit Spain´s northwest corner and greenest region, Galicia.

A magical land of pilgrims, Celtic-influenced legends, white beaches and seafarers, Galicia has a medieval quality that has successfully withstood the test of time.

This trip is an excellent chance to see a delightfully different side of Spain, one that is deeply influenced by agriculture, the fishing industry and the cult of St. James.

Here’s a recap of the field study trip in Fall 2018.

USAC Madrid students enrolled in the Field Study course spent four glorious days in Galicia, located in northwestern Spain.  It was an excellent opportunity for them to see another side of Spain. Cabins were their home, and home-cooked meals were the order of the day.

They participated in a cooking workshop and made empanada gallega, and even learned how to use an old-fashioned wine press to make fresh apple juice! A trip by boat on the Ria Arousa also brought many surprises: students were able to see, first-hand, how mussel farming is done and had the chance to taste this Galician specialty.

The workshop leaders dressed them up in 19th-century regional attire and taught them songs and how to perform a dance called the muiñeira.  It was an unforgettable trip!

A family of dolphins decided to accompany the boat and gave everyone a real treat by showing off their acrobatic skills.

Students visited the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela and learned about the significance of El Camino (The Way) and how it has impacted the region since the 10^th century.

And last, but not least, the night before returning to big-city life, the students had a proper Galician send-off and were invited to participate in a Traditional Music & Dance workshop.

Field studies are optional tours that are offered for the equivalent of one college credit. To participate, students are required to enroll in the Field Study course and complete the assigned work. This segment is optional and has an additional fee, which includes transportation, guides, museum entrances and other points of interest, hotel accommodations and meals (breakfast and dinner only). You can register for the field study on your Course and Tour Registration Form.

Learn more about the field studies offered when you study abroad in Madrid.