Students and Faculty Study Human and Urban Geography in Spain

KENNESAW, Ga. (Aug 12, 2019) — Throughout the year, Kennesaw State University students participate in education abroad programs to enhance their studies and gather perspective from many countries around the world. Faculty from the Department of Geography and Anthropology routinely offer study abroad opportunities to a variety of destinations. 

In Summer 2019, Dr. Paul McDaniel, Assistant Professor of Geography, and over a dozen Kennesaw State University students from a variety of majors, along with several faculty and many students from other colleges and universities around Georgia, participated in the University System of Georgia’s European Council Madrid Summer Study Abroad program in Spain from June 27 to August 2. The program was based at the Colegio Mayor Padre Poveda in the Ciudad Universitaria area of Madrid. Dr. McDaniel offered Introduction to Human Geography (GEOG 1101) and Urban Geography (GEOG 3300). Studying geography while being immersed in a different landscape, culture, and society presented an exciting experiential learning opportunity for students participating in this program. 

After arriving in late June, Dr. McDaniel and students visited many places in and around Madrid. These included field trips to the Prado Museum, Casa de Campo, the National Archaeological Museum, the National Anthropology Museum, the Madrid History Museum, and urban geography neighborhood walking tours. Beyond Madrid, they also visited places in central Spain including Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, and Alcalá de Henares. Students also had weekends free to travel and explore more broadly beyond Madrid. Some faculty and students participated in optional weekend trips the program planned to Barcelona and to the north of Spain to La Rioja, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Bilbao. 

Kennesaw State University students and faculty in Madrid

The following perspectives from some of the students who participated in Dr. McDaniel’s geography courses in this program highlight the geography study abroad experience. 

Why was it important to participate in education abroad?

It was important for me to go on this study abroad trip because I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and be put in situations that were uncomfortable. – Hannah Higgins, Early Childhood Education major, University of North Georgia-Gainesville 

I think it is important to participate in education abroad in order to see the world differently. Studying abroad allows you to step out of your comfort zone and be able to learn things in a different setting that you may not have been taught the same in your home university. – Leah Robertson, Public Relations major, Kennesaw State University 

I have always wanted to participate in a study abroad program since I can remember. It was important for me because I really wanted to immerse myself into the culture and learn so much more than I could from sitting in a traditional classroom setting. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

I needed to get out of my comfort zone and I felt that studying abroad was the safest and most effective way to do that. – Isis Zuell, Human Services major, Middle Georgia State University 

I believe that it gave a greater understanding of the world and the cultures that are influencing my day to day life. – Miranda Jones, Geography major, Georgia State University 

I believe it is important to study abroad because it allows people to travel through a more focused academic point of view. Studying abroad opens the eyes of students and allows them to learn more about themselves as well. Traveling is one of the best teachers in my opinion because of all the different aspects. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

Why did you choose this particular education abroad program? 

I chose Spain specifically because I have studied Spanish for over nine years and really wanted to put my skills to the test, and also to see everything that I have learned about over this time. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

I am a Spanish minor and I believe that Spanish culture is so beautiful and this program seemed like the perfect fit for me. – Isis Zuell, Human Services major, Middle Georgia State University 

I thought it would be amazing to study Urban Geography in a Medieval city. I got to see the geography of places that are much older than I would get to if I was to study the subject in Atlanta. – Miranda Jones, Geography major, Georgia State University 

I decided to come to this study abroad because it offered an upper-level geography course as well as being in a country where I have studied the language. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

European Council Madrid study abroad participants in Toledo, Spain

What was the best part of your education abroad experience? 

The best part about the study abroad program was not only learning school material, but learning new things about myself. This experience allowed me to grow as a person. – Hannah Higgins, Early Childhood Education major, University of North Georgia-Gainesville 

Meeting all the amazing friends I have made! – Leah Robertson, Public Relations major, Kennesaw State University 

I think the best part about my experience aside from being able to immerse myself in the culture and practice my Spanish was being able to see so much of the country itself, and getting to travel to surrounding countries. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

The best part of this experience was just being able to completely immerse myself in a new culture that I had not really known much about. I feel like I have grown in every aspect of my life, and gotten a better understanding of the world outside of the one I have known. – Isis Zuell, Human Services major, Middle Georgia State University 

The best part of my study abroad experience was, of course, traveling around but also being able to get guided tours. We were always learning which was so fun. I also loved the opportunity to get to know my professors more in-depth and personally. It is nice to be able to network and build relationships to carry home. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

What did you find most unique about the country you visited? 

I found Madrid unique because even though it is a city it still has a very chill vibe about it. – Leah Robertson, Public Relations major, Kennesaw State University 

I have always seen pictures of Spain but the pictures do not compare to how it is in person. Spain is a beautiful country with so much to offer between all the food, Roman Ruins, ancient cities, and so much more. It is hard to pinpoint just one thing. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

I enjoyed seeing the influence of the other cultures that occupied the Iberian Peninsula such as the Roman ruins and the Islamic arches in the architecture. – Miranda Jones, Geography major, Georgia State University 

The interactions between the citizens. When they greeted each other they kissed each other on the cheeks. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

How has studying geography in an education abroad program enhanced what you’ve learned in the classroom? 

It allowed students to not only learn in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well. We got to see first-hand the culture. – Hannah Higgins, Early Childhood Education major, University of North Georgia-Gainesville 

I think it has definitely helped me learn more about city structures and just how the world works in a sense. It was very interesting to see everything that was talked about in class and how it applies to so much more than what is seen on a powerpoint. It truly puts the material into a new perspective that I would not have had the opportunity of seeing before. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

For me, previously with learning anything dealing with geography or even just history in general, it is really hard to grasp certain concepts because I have never seen it but being here and being able to see areas that we have learned about makes everything stick better. – Isis Zuell, Human Services major, Middle Georgia State University 

I got to see the things in real life and not just in a book or in a power point. – Miranda Jones, Geography major, Georgia State University 

It has been so amazing to study a geography course while abroad. It has given me a better insight and a better understanding of how interconnected all of geography really is.  Being able to go on field trips and then automatically be able to discuss our observations and questions. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

European Council Madrid study abroad participants at Casa de Campo in Madrid

In what ways did your trip enhance your overall college experience? 

It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and be put in uncomfortable situations. I made many friends and grew as an individual. – Hannah Higgins, Early Childhood Education major, University of North Georgia-Gainesville 

This has made my college experience something I will never forget! – Leah Robertson, Public Relations major, Kennesaw State University 

I feel that it took my learning to the next level. It is one thing to sit in a classroom and be taught the information, but it is a completely different thing to physically see everything that has been discussed. It sheds a new light on the material and allows for you to see it first-hand. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

It allowed me to get to know better a Geography teacher from my home university. It was awesome to be able to study abroad, this has been my goal since day one and I am so happy that I was able to study such a specific course (Urban Geography) needed for my major in another large and influential city of the world. It has given me a larger appreciation for my geography major and the world in itself. Being able to compare and contrast Atlanta and Madrid was very insightful. – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University 

What advice would you give other students who are interested in education abroad? 

I encourage any student who is considering to do it. You will not regret it and you will come out of it stronger and better as a person. We all were uncomfortable and did not know each other, but that was the best part because in the end we all were like a family. – Hannah Higgins, Early Childhood Education major, University of North Georgia-Gainesville 

Have an open mind and be willing to embrace the culture!! Don't complain about your setting and instead just enjoy where you are at and live in the moment! Do things you would not normally do! – Leah Robertson, Public Relations major, Kennesaw State University 

I would highly encourage that they do it because it has been worth so much more than I can put into words. Studying abroad has helped me grow as a person and see more of the world, that otherwise I may not have had the opportunity to do. – Lindsay Ahern, Anthropology major and Spanish minor, Kennesaw State University 

DO IT! It is worth the money and effort of getting out of your comfort zone. – Miranda Jones, Geography major, Georgia State University 

If I could give advice to students considering studying abroad, I would say plan ahead, contemplate all the options, and consider the best options for your overall educational plan. Be open-minded, flexible and understanding. Also, GO for it! – Kathleen Smith, Geography major and Environmental Studies minor, Kennesaw State University

Highlights from the European Council Madrid Summer 2019 Study Abroad Program in Madrid, Spain