Program: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Fall
Israh’s Major: Economics, Global Health Certificate
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
A food that I plan to take with me to the U.S. is Spanish tortilla. Spanish tortilla is different than the typical flour tortillas we think of here: it’s a dish made of potatoes and eggs and cooked in a pan, and it’s commonly eaten during lunch or dinner. It’s very easy to make and tastes really good, so it’s a type of food I’d love to continue making here in the U.S.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
My program classes were different to my classes at UW Madison in that I took language, culture, and political science courses that are different than my major specific classes (economics). At the same time, they were similar in that I have taken language courses at Madison in both Spanish and Arabic, so it was familiar to have classes taught in a different language.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
My advice would be to try to connect with Spanish-speaking students beforehand online to help build relationships with native Spanish-speakers. I had a hard time connecting with native students while I was there, so I think that connecting with students online through social media or other means would help with meeting new people and connecting with students who are also looking to work on their English skills.