Nineteen EMU students who spent three months studying and traveling in Spain and Morocco, led by Dr. Moira Rogers, professor of Spanish in the language and literature department, shared their experiences through personal journal reflections, skits, music and a slide show. Listen to the podcast!

The group spent their first month living with host families in Cadiz, Spain, in intense Spanish language study and exposure to the country’s history and culture. After some time in Tangier, North Africa, and some free time for travel, students spent five weeks in Fez, Morocco. Read the program description for this cross-cultural.

Some group members were already well-versed in Spanish, while others hardly knew a word, making it difficult to communicate with host families and understanding concepts in the intense, daily language study. “It was especially difficult to say goodbye to our host families when we were just starting to improve our communication skills,” said Nicole Yoder, a junior social work major from Harrisonburg.

In a skit during their chapel program, students use their “siesta” as an opportunity to talk themselves into postponing work on an assignment. Photo by Jon Styer

“Experiencing a sense of community across cultures with host families” proved the highlight of the program for many group members.

Students shared journal entries describing the amazing sights and sounds of the cities and towns they lived in and did a humorous skit on the aggressive, yet friendly street merchants who kept offering them “really good prices” on merchandise.

“Especially in Morocco we had to go everywhere in pairs for the entire time,” said Sarah Harder, a junior communication major from Mountain Lake, Minn. “I’ll never take my independence for granted again.”

The group shared the travails of “learning to “squat” in various locales when nature called and finding no toilet paper available.

EMU junior theater major Sarah Gant tries to explain to her fellow cross-cultural group members that certain Spanish words can mean the same thing. Photo by Jon Styer

“Our host families would constantly give us more food than we could possibly eat,” said Jasmine Brubaker, a junior social work major from Lancaster, Pa. ” I won’t forget the many times and places we sipped tea and ate sweets” (in Morocco). Even complete strangers made us feel welcome.”

The students left Morocco and returned to Spain for more intensive study and field trips that reinforced what they learned in classes.

This time, the group all lived under one roof, which, Steven Rittenhouse noted, “helps you really get to know others intimately and despite our differing personalities we felt a strong unity as a group.” Rittenhouse is a sophomore mathematics and secondary education major from Green Lane, Pa.

“The opportunities for interfaith dialog between Christians and Muslims” stood out for Abigail Spurrier, a junior culture, religion and mission and Spanish major from Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa. “God’s love really came through despite differing beliefs.”

Students majoring in Spanish at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø now have another option for meeting the requirement that they study the language in a foreign country.

Marie S. Morris, EMU vice president and undergraduate academic dean, signed a consortium agreement with the University of Cadiz in Spain that will enable students to study there for a semester.

Prior to this agreement, Spanish majors enrolled in the Brethren Colleges Abroad program in Barcelona or took part in EMU’s Latin American to satisfy this graduation requirement.

Cadiz is a smaller city than Barcelona and a better fit with the EMU-Mennonite ethos,” said Dr. Morris. “It’s more rural and will allow students to live in local homes during their time there.

“The teachers are impressed with the language experiences and seriousness of our students,” Morris said. “They feel positive about the agreement.”

Moira R. Rogers, associate professor of Spanish at EMU, initiated the relationship with the University of Cadiz and is overseeing a group of nine EMU students who are spending the spring semester there. They are taking a full course load at the 20,000-student university after undergoing an intensive language and culture program. The academic year ends June 15.

According to Dr. Rogers, the region of Andalucia, where Cadiz is located, “offers a unique location for exploring the rich cultural heritage that merges Arab and Spanish cultures.” She noted that the university recently opened an office for “solidary action” that offers opportunities for students to get involved in the local community and integrate their learning into their academic experience.

More information on the Cadiz program opportunities is available by contacting Dr. Rogers at moira.rogers@emu.edu.