Here are some of the comments of students who completed the first España Literaria adventure that are presented anonymously:

When asked: “If you had a chance to go back to the past, would you: Go on this program again/Skip it” the anonymous vote was unanimously “Go on this program again.”

“We stayed in a variety of hostales and that was great.  We usually ate once a day as a group and we also had the freedom to snack or make our own meal arrangements as needed.  This was good because different people eat differently.” 

“Prof. was always cheerful and enthusiastic & his personality added a lot to the trip.”

“I traveled with a wonderful group of people & I had a great time.  I was sad to see the trip end, but it was just the right amount of time for an introductory trip to Spain.” 

“El profe estaba a nuestro lado para explicar/ayudar con cualquier tema.” 

“We were required to speak Spanish and this helped the students at lower-level proficiencies improve and adapt to those who were more advanced.”

“Prof. Cardenas was always present providing information and support for all the students.  He was supportive in all aspects and never lost patience with anyone or any situation.”

“I enjoyed EVERYTHING we saw in Spain.  This trip was a neat overview of the different parts of the country.”

“This experience is unforgettable and invaluable.  I learned a great deal and got the opportunity to experience literature in a manner that is much more stimulating than simply reading and analyzing.  The opportunity to be with this group and share this experience is amazing and I gained friends that I can support as friends as well as colleagues.”

“We were constantly moving and therefore got to see different parts of the country.  We observed differences in food, language, music, clothing ... everything as well as the history of these areas which is something that cannot be taught in a traditional classroom.”

“Parts of the trip were difficult at times but profe always stayed positive & could always make everyone laugh.”

“The paisaje looks a lot like NM.  Culture-wise, it was really neat to see people of all ages out together at the feria en Córdoba at midnight!  Their food sucks, minus the paella.  The camareros are usually really rude but if you ask an older persons for directions, you might have a hard time getting out of the conversation!” 

“El profe nos trató como adultos, ...” 

“Biggest impact: reading literature in the places where it was written and/or occurred . . . especially literature I had already read and studied.” 

“I spoke more Spanish in the last two weeks than what I normally speak in months in America.” 

Professor Cárdenas did a remarkable job of chauffeuring, caring, answering questions while maintaining patience and lifting spirits.  I don´t know who could have done anything better.” 

“I have a much greater understanding about Spain´s social and political history; a much better appreciation of the devotion/fanaticism to/of the various religions; and I now know about the topography and climate of what was at one time the greatest empire on earth.”

“The opportunity/necessity to speak Spanish on a continuous basis for two weeks straight was worth the money.  Everything else (knowledge and appreciation and fun) made this trip unforgettable.” 

“This was a 24-hour-a-day learning experience.  Can´t really be compared to learning in a classroom.”

“I definitely noticed improvement in my ability to speak and understand Spanish.”

“Everything was about learning on this trip.  New vocabulary words, new ways to express ideas.  Prof. Cárdenas was always available to answer questions and explain concepts.”

“First of all, after having several classes taught by Prof. Cárdenas, I knew this would be a wonderful learning experience.  Second off, having a hands-on experience is definitely worth the time and money for the trip.” 

“Going to the actual locations of these literary works and reading the text.  Absolutely incredible experience.  There aren´t words to describe it.” 

“We were very well informed of the sites with our books the Professor created and the knowledge he had about the sites we saw.  The professor was very accommodating and helped students with open arms.”

“Even after being here and studying here before, I learned sooo much more.  I think it was also beneficial that I was able to aid students with certain cultural norms that take place here.  We got a taste of the culture at each location which made learning that much more powerful.  I definitely learned more with being in a group as well.  We were able to share our experiences with each other unlike the last time I was here.”

“I learned many new words used in Spain.”

“I liked going across the country in only two weeks.  The time spent in the van was long but adequate.” 

“This was the most practice I´ve had speaking Spanish for an extended period.  Great practice.  It was also both in the group and in the surrounding environment.  Communicating w/ native speakers was quite the adventure.  Prof. answered a lot of grammar/vocab. questions as they arose.”