Global Posts

Why Segovia? The Culture

When U.S. students dream of studying abroad, they often imagine the bustling streets of Paris or Rome’s ancient ruins. But nestled in the heart of Spain’s Castilla y León region is the enchanting city of Segovia. A destination that offers a unique and rich cultural experience, often overlooked by mainstream study abroad programs. This blog post argues that Segovia makes a great case for study abroad through its rich history, manageable size, and immersive learning opportunities. Whether you’re a college student seeking a global perspective or a professor looking to lead a study abroad program, Segovia offers something both academically valuable and personally transformative.

Segovia is best known for its awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across the city with 167 arches still standing from the 1st century AD. The aqueduct alone is reason enough for history majors to visit, but it’s only the beginning. The fairy tale Alcázar of Segovia, it is a castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, offers insight into Spain’s medieval past and royal heritage. Literature and architecture students will find ample opportunities to explore the intersections of art, narrative, and cultural identity.

Religious studies majors and professors may be drawn to the Segovia Cathedral, a late Gothic masterpiece that represents Spain’s rich Catholic heritage. Situated at the city’s highest point, the cathedral serves as both a spiritual center and a visual anchor. Segovia’s historical context provides rich material for classroom discussions on empire, religion, and cultural transformation, making it an ideal academic setting.

Unlike Spain’s larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona, Segovia’s compact size makes it easier for students to feel at home quickly. With just over 50,000 residents, Segovia offers a more intimate environment, perfect for language immersion and cultural connection. Students can walk from the aqueduct to the Alcázar in under 30 minutes, making the entire city feel like a living campus.

Professors planning faculty-led programs can appreciate Segovia’s safety, accessibility, and walkability. The city encourages meaningful interaction between students and locals, facilitating deeper cultural understanding and language acquisition. Cafés, open-air markets, and local festivals create natural opportunities for students to practice Spanish and engage with authentic daily life.

Study abroad programs in Segovia often partner with institutions like IE University, which offers courses in English and Spanish across a wide range of disciplines, including business, international relations, and media studies. For students interested in interdisciplinary education, IE’s global outlook provides a strong academic foundation while rooted in a historical setting.

Moreover, Segovia’s proximity to Madrid—just a 30-minute high-speed train ride—gives students access to Spain’s political and economic capital without the overwhelm of living in a major metropolis.

Faculty members will find Segovia to be a cost-effective and academically rich alternative to larger, pricier European cities. The city allows for immersive, experiential learning with its preserved architecture, walkable urban design, and integrated academic partnerships. Whether leading an art history course or a public policy seminar, Segovia’s layers of culture, governance, and tradition offer ample teaching material.

Segovia is more than just a beautiful city; it’s a bridge between past and present, between academic theory and lived experience. For U.S. college students seeking meaningful cultural engagement—and professors searching for a destination that combines history, safety, and academic potential—Segovia makes a persuasive case for study abroad. It is a place where education extends beyond the classroom and into cobblestone streets, bustling plazas, and centuries-old monuments.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311/.

Spain.info. “Segovia: What to See.” Official Tourism Website of Spain. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.spain.info/en/destination/segovia/.

IE University. “About IE University – Segovia Campus.” Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.ie.edu/university/about/segovia-campus/.

https://www.spain.info/en/places-of-interest/segovia-aqueduct

Andalusia is filled to the brim with special places and beautiful cities, but perhaps none are more significant than Córdoba. A picturesque city embedded in central Andalusia, just north of Sevilla, Cordoba is home to a number of landmarks that attract millions of tourists per year. The city is also a favorite among American students studying abroad. Córdoba is also widely regarded as one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe, let alone Spain. Córdoba is also the home of 322,000 people and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city was one of the most vital areas in the days of Al-Andalus from the 700’s to about 1236. Moorish and Arabic influence is incredibly prevalent in Córdoba as Mosques from the middle ages still draw millions of visitors. The narrow and walkable streets lead to a 16-arch Roman bridge that signifies the blend of Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish culture.

La Mezquita-Córdoba is Córdoba’s primary attraction and plays a massive factor in their tourism industry. The Mosque, which dates back to Al-Andalus, is one of the most pristine in the world. The entrance welcomes you under a gorgeous arched ceiling, which becomes quite commonplace as one continues into the heralded building. The hallways are ensconced in a bright pale glow, with orange-striped arches in the ceilings. Eventually, the hallways lead to a courtyard, which looks like a miniature city in the middle of the mosque. 

It’s not just the attractions like the Roman Bridge and La Mezquita-Córdoba that makes Córdoba the premier destination for visiting, living, or studying abroad in Andalusia. Córdoba is a fútbol loving city which is home to Córdoba Club de Fútbol (Córdoba CF), a professional soccer club in the second division of Spain’s soccer pyramid. They play their matches at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel, which translates to English as New Archangel Stadium. Córdoba CF are enjoying a good season, as they sit 10th out of 22 teams in the second tier. For any sports loving travelers, a game here is sure to be a memorable occasion. 

Córdoba isn’t just an ideal travel destination, it’s the best place to study abroad in Spain. As already mentioned, you don’t need fancy transportation to get around the city, as it is very walkable. There are plenty of places to eat authentic Spanish cuisine, and there’s also American food chains if you want a little taste of back home. The streets of Córdoba are dotted with shops left and right, most of which are famed Spanish street food. The University of Córdoba, which is located in downtown Córdoba has study abroad programs affiliated with a large number of US universities. They offer courses specifically designed for US students while still allowing for the student to fully immerse themselves in the Córdoba lifestyle. As part of their PRESHCO (Programa de Estudios Hispánica de Córdoba) program, students will . It should come as no surprise that studying abroad with one of these programs will drastically improve one’s Spanish skills and global perspective. Córdoba is also safe, as it boasts one of lowest crime rates in Spain, but obviously one must still take necessary precautions like you would in any foreign country. 

While Spain is a country filled with picturesque places and wonderful cities, Córdoba simply should not be overlooked. From incredible architecture, food, nature, sports, and local residents, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the flagship city of Andalusia.

During the Christian Reconquista, Cordoba was recaptured by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1236 AD. This put Cordoba under Christian control. Not long after this, the Great Mosque (now Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) was converted to a Cathedral for Christians. This marked a turning point in the religious state of Cordoba, shifting from the long period of Muslim rule to a Christian based state. This cathedral is known by many throughout the world to this day and is a very prominent and architecturally significant part of Spain and Cordoba’s history.

Muslims and Jews remained in Cordoba for a time after this capture, however this changed in 1492 AD when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella issued the Alhambra decree, declaring all Jews to be removed from their kingdoms. This was part of their campaign to make Spain completely catholic, rooted in deep power from the church. Not long after this, Muslims were also ordered to leave the city or convert to Christianity. After this, the city declined and was no longer the intellectual hub it once was.

When Napoleon invaded Spain and began his conquest for power, he sacked Cordoba during the Peninsular War, causing major damage. He was later forced out after the Battle of Bailen in 1808 AD, which marked a major turning point in the war. After being forced out, there were a series of civil wars in Spain, however Cordoba never saw much direct action. No major battles were fought, and it remained a very religious city.

During Francisco Franco’s rise to power in Spain, Cordoba was one of the first cities to come under his rule. They were under strict dictatorship and had little to no political say at this time. Cordoba was also slow to modernize versus other cities in Spain, especially because under Franco agriculture was the main part of their economy. Under Franco, the city was very poor and many starved to death which was similar to what other areas in Spain were experiencing at this time. After Franco’s death and Spain moved to democracy, Cordoba transitioned along with the rest of Spain. With the creation of The Spanish Constitution of 1978, Cordoba became a part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city has now accepted its heritage and embraced its diverse beginnings from all religions including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Cordoba is known for its historic sites, such as La Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba (The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) and The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs). It is also known for the Fiesta de Los Patios, which is a festival during the Spring where people decorate their patios and open them up to visitors and tourists. This specific event is meant to show the communal living style, where people come together to share food, drink, and traditional Flamenco style music. Each patio is usually decorated to show a specific theme, and it is another way for the people of Cordoba to show off their skill in design and their heritage.

If you’re an undergrad on a study-abroad program or the instructor teaching a faculty-led program, few places can rival the intellectual stimulation and sheer awe of the Royal Palace of Madrid. The Palacio Real, whether referred to as such or simply the Royal Palace of Madrid, isn’t just Europe’s largest royal palace by floor space; it’s an actively working embodiment of Spanish culture, brimming with opportunities for experiential learning and cultural immersion.

A Palace Founded on History

The Royal Palace stands on the site of the former Alcázar, a Moorish palace that was burned in 1734. King Philip V, Spain’s first Bourbon Spanish monarch, ordered the palace to be constructed in 1738 to reflect the grandeur of European absolutist power. Its designer blended Baroque, Classical, and Neoclassical styles with inspiration from Versailles and other European grand palaces.

The palace does not function as a royal residence in modern times; the Spanish royal household resides in less ostentatious Zarzuela Palace, but it is still the official location of state ceremonies and official receptions. It’s a ceremonial location and one of Spain’s most popular tourist spots.

For Students: A Deep Dive into Spanish Identity

As a tourist to Madrid, visiting the Royal Palace is an amazing experience, as it offers a mix of history, art, politics, and architecture in one location.

• Art lovers will appreciate the royal collection, which includes masterpieces by Goya, Caravaggio, and Velázquez.

• History majors can walk by the Throne Room and the Council Chambers and envision centuries of statecraft and court etiquette.

• Architects and architecture students have the privilege of seeing how and what was built in a palace that was intended to awe citizens and daunt competing European monarchs, as well as how this monument withstood the test of time.

Royal Armory is also a repository of wonderfully preserved arms, armor, and ceremonial equipment dating back to the 13th century.

For Professors: An Educational Goldmine

For educators, the Royal Palace is an interdisciplinary case study for many courses:

• History and political science courses can examine the employment of monarchy in modern European politics.

• Art history courses can examine the palace’s vast collection of tapestries, paintings, and statues.

• Literature and cultural studies courses can examine power, identity, and legacy from a Spanish perspective.

It is also strategically located close to the Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, and Prado Museum, making it very convenient to plan a whole day’s itinerary of sightseeing with some of the major historical sites in Madrid.

In addition, educational tours may be planned and are highly recommended. Guides offer expert commentary that brings each room’s function and symbolism to life. These can be supplemented with pre- or post-visit discussions, reflections, or journal assignments to deepen student engagement.

Tourist Tips

At the planning stage already? Here are some quick facts:

• Buy tickets in advance to skip the long queues. Students under 25 often qualify for discounted entry with a valid student ID. You can find tickets and tour details at the official Royal Palace of Madrid website

• Go early to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed tour, especially in summer.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on marble and stone flooring for at least a couple of hours.

• Take notes or photos (where allowed), many rooms are dense with details that can be easily forgotten.

Final Thoughts

The Madrid Royal Palace is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a great teaching tool that bridges the past and the present.  It’s a fascinating history lesson in the royal and cultural heritage of Spain. For educators, it’s an active environment that complements numerous areas of study. Whether the course is art, politics, architecture, or European history, the palace is an unforgettable experience to learn by walking through a piece of history.

So next time you are in Madrid, with a class or on your own, take the time to visit the Royal Palace. It’s a journey into the heart of Spain you won’t want to miss.

For further reading on some of the attractions in Madrid, click here.

Students wishing to travel abroad: Do you wish to engage with a locale whose unique and warm culture extends to every aspect of life? Look no further than beautiful Madrid! In Madrid, even what would otherwise be the smallest and seemingly most insignificant thing absolutely exudes brilliance and a sense of warm Spanish culture. Looking at an area through its clothing and festivities is a wonderful lens to look at a place’s tradition, and it can be seen that many Madrid locals take pride in their own culture, wearing outfits called “chulapo” and “chulapa” for stunning and breathtaking San Isidro celebrations dating back to the 1600’s, celebrating Madrid and the love they hold for their patron saint of the city.

Now, you might be asking yourself a question: “What is a chulapo costume at all? Why should I care?” To help with any confusion, the costume designs change depending on gender. Men wear the chulapo outfit, which is made up of long black pants, a styled flat cap, a grey buttoned vest that covers a clean white collared shirt, sometimes wearing a long white necktie, and most importantly, a beautiful red carnation tucked into the vest or shirt pocket. The carnation is the symbol of love and marriage, showing devotion to another, and both men and women wear it. The women’s chulapa costume is also very interesting, starting with a ruffled, lantern-sleeved dress, followed by a beautifully colored shawl wrapped around the shoulders and back, and finishing off with a white headwrap with a red carnation adorning the top of the head. These specific outfits are to celebrate the Malasana area of Madrid, where this fashion was popular in the 1800’s during events and celebrations, and this unique style of clothing lives on through the San Isidro festival. Dressing up to enjoy partaking in a celebration with locals is an experience you will never forget!

The celebration of the San Isidro Festival dates back to 1619 A.D. to revere the death and canonization of San Isidro the Laborer, who is the patron saint of Madrid, farmers and planters. Getting the opportunity to learn about a Spanish Catholic tradition and engaging with unique European cultural figures while celebrating is something that many people never get the pleasure to experience! The celebration itself lasts for a week, starting in the middle of May on the 15th, but many people celebrate and party casually beforehand, which I know is something many college students can find rather familiar. As for the celebration itself, it involves a large selling of the best produce of the year that celebrates the field workers of Madrid, selling Madrid Stew, fancy wine, assorted pickled vegetables, and many other delicious foods. The events held through the week involve fun specialties like parades with floats and dancers, concerts, and a spectacle that many never see in their lives – a Spanish classic: The world-famous Madrid bullfighting. If loud and extravagant events are not up your alley, there are also many picnics held through the fields near the beautiful Manzanares River, as well as sporting events, with historical and religious lessons about Madrid and the event accompanying! No matter what you like to do or what you enjoy learning, there will always be fabulous and wonderful cultural growing experiences in Madrid, the crown jewel of Spain waiting for you!

INTRODUCTION INTO THE FOOD CULTURE OF CÓRDOBA

Spanish food is well known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, and this is all the more true when it comes to Córdoban cuisine, as there is a long, complex, and vibrant culinary heritage, which is reflected in its dishes. To understand this rich history, we must first rewind to a time before Córdoba was more than just the city of the Andalusian region of Spain, but rather the capital of Al-Andalus, the Muslim Empire on the Iberian peninsula. 

During this time, Córdoba served as a beacon of trends across Europe and the Islamic world. There was no greater representative of this than the cultural icon Ziryab. Full name being Abu al-Hasan ‘Ali Ibn Nafi,’ he traveled from Baghdad to Córdoba in the early ninth century and was influential in numerous fields, including music, poetry, fashion, and gastronomy.  Among his many contributions, Ziryab is credited with revolutionizing the art of dining in ninth-century Spain. Prior to his influence, meals were typically served with all the food piled onto a single communal dish, with metal goblets and plain tables. Ziryab introduced the concept of dining as a refined, structured experience, complete with tablecloths, glassware, and specific dining etiquette. Most notably, it was in Córdoba where he popularized the idea of the three-course meal: beginning with a light soup or appetizer, followed by the main course, and concluding with a sweet dessert. 

With this context in mind, it is no surprise that the dishes originating from Córdoba reflect this legacy. From its hearty meals to sweet confections to its approach to dining and presentation, Córdoba’s cuisine is a living testament to a rich, multi-layered history that began centuries ago that you can experience first hand.

FOUR TRADITIONAL DISHES ORIGINATING FROM CÓRDOBA

Oxtail Stew 

A version of this dish can be traced back to the days of the ancient Roman Empire, with the Córdoban version of the dish being known as Rabo de Toro, with ties to the local bullfighting traditions. It is a hearty meal that consists of slow cooked oxtail (as the name may suggest), vegetables, red wine, and traditional spices, and a flavor that has been described as rich and tender. 

Ajoblanco 

This dish is a cold, thick almond soup made of a blend of bread, water, salt, olive oil, garlic, and vinegar. Sometimes known as “white gazpacho,” this dish can trace its roots to the Moorish period (as Arabs introduced almonds to Al-Andalus), and it is the predecessor of other popular gazpacho dishes found throughout Spain. 

Salmorejo

Another gazpacho ancestor, this dish came to popularity after the introduction of tomatoes from the New World in the sixteenth century. It is a thick, creamy soup made of a blend of tomato and bread, usually garnished with egg, ham, and olive oil.

Flamenquín

This dish is a popular appetizer and typically consists of Jamón serrano (a type of dry-cured ham) rolled in pork loin, then breaded and deep fried, though many variations exist, some including cheese, sausage, fish, or poultry.

It is impossible to have a trip to Cordoba without encountering its rich and diverse culinary culture, and even harder to walk away without encountering at least one dish that you’ll love.

¡Buen provecho!

CITATIONS

Allibhoy, Omar. “Traditional Spanish Oxtail Stew (Rabo de Toro) Recipe.” Omar Allibhoy – The Spanish Chef, January 7, 2025. https://www.thespanishchef.com/recipes/spanish-oxtail-stew.

Aloise, Lauren. “Flamenquines Cordobeses – Andalusian Fried Pork Rolls.” Spanish Sabores, March 4, 2024. https://spanishsabores.com/flamenquines-cordobeses-recipe/. 

 Lebling, Robert. Culinary Biographies: Ziryab. (2006) Culinary Biographies: A Dictionary of the World’s Great Historic Chefs, Cookbook Authors and Collectors, Farmers, Gourmets, Home Economists, Nutritionists, Restaurateurs, Philosophers, Physicians, Scientists, Writers, and Others Who Influenced the Way We Eat Today, Yes Press.

Gritzer, Daniel. “Ajo Blanco (Spanish Chilled ‘White Gazpacho’ Bread and Almond Soup) Recipe.” Serious Eats, March 18, 2025. https://www.seriouseats.com/ajo-blanco-spanish-bread-almond-cold-soup-recipe. 

“Salmorejo Cordobés – Cold Spanish Tomato and Bread Soup from Cordoba.” Nick Malgieri, February 25, 2019. https://www.nickmalgieri.com/news/2016/8/12/salmorejo-cordobes. 

As you traverse through Madrid, seaking ancient knowledge and study-abroad credits, you’ll come across a wealth of exciting and tasty snacks, perfect for the starving student on their weary travels! As the City designated the capital by King Felipe II, it’s full of exciting, varied, and diverse foods just waiting for the bold traveller to explore!

While wandering the streets of Madrid, it’s essential to fuel your intellectual excursion with something hearty. The famous Cocido Madrileño is a perfect choice, with its warm broth full of an assortment of meats, chickpeas, and vegetables. It’s only available in the wintertime, so be sure to make a stop for it so that you can fill the void of the weary winter semesters. 

But perhaps our brave traveler is looking for something beyond the comforting nourishment of stew. Perhaps you’d like something strange and exciting, something you can smugly tell your family back home “oh yes, I ate that” while you look down your well-travelled nose. For this traveler, it’s imperative to try Caracoles a la Madrileña. Or in other words, snails. They’re slow simmered in chorizo, but any further detail is kept secret and elusive, the many different recipes aren’t to be shared, and every eating experience will be unique. This dish is unlike its fancy french brother, and is eaten with toothpicks and served in taverns and bars. 

But perhaps snails are just too tame for you. You’re looking for something your American friends at home would never think to eat. Then look no further than Gallinejas or Entresijos. This dish isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s bold, unique, and highly enjoyed by locals. It’s highly Madrid-specific, and you’ll certainly be embedding yourself in the culture by consuming this dish. What is it, you ask? It’s tripe! Or in other words, sheep entrails. 

Now all this adventuring is some hard work, and I think my dear traveler, you need something sweet to treat yourself. Have a sit down, eat some historically ambiguous churros, a creamy bartolillos, or glimmering, honey-glazed Pestiños (But only during Christmas or Holy Week!) and enjoy the magical beauty of Madrid. 

The city of Sevilla has a rich history as well as flavors and culture. Spain has always been known for its true high quality dining experiences, along with unique dishes and cooking techniques. The capital city of Andalusia has been culturally influenced by many other cultures throughout the years. The Romans, Jews, Celts, Greeks, and Islamic culture have slowly accumulated through history and created an unique Spanish cuisine. Techniques such as salting fish or ham and the adaptation of olive tree oil are both things that were adopted by the people of Sevilla.

One of the most important cultural significances related to cuisine in Sevilla is Tapas culture. This culture can best be understood by the term Tapas meaning “small plate”. This form of dining consists of a collection of many small dishes which will comprise a full meal. This is not only a special event for the people of Sevilla, but a true way of life amongst the locals. Tapas culture is a true sign of leisure and fosters community amongst the population of the city.

Here are some of the cities’ most prized dishes:

Patatas Bravas

This dish falls under the category of Tapas which is essentially equivalent to appetizers or snacks. The dish is made from boiled potatoes which are covered in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with clumps of garlic aioli. These are very culturally important to both Spain and the city of Sevilla itself.

Artichoke Tapas

This dish is one of the few tapas which include primarily vegetables. It’s served with a large artichoke, usually stuffed or wrapped with ham or prawns. The meat is served salt cured instead of being cooked making it able to be served all year round. Usually this is served with an aioli sauce which pairs great with the salty flavored meats.

Jamon Iberico

This dish is a very simple historical dish served throughout Sevilla as well as the rest of Spain. It consists of a dry-cured ham that is produced in the Spanish regions. The ham is usually from the leg of a pig and is expensive due to its high demand. The curing process is a traditional aspect of making this dish and the same process has been followed for thousands of years.

Salmorejo

Salmorejo is a dish that originated in the Andalusia region and is also served all around Spain. It’s a cold tomato soup which is know for its pinkish orange color and creamy texture. It’s sometimes served with a hard-boiled egg or salt cured ham. It’s can be eaten as a light meal and is mostly served during the summer months.

Overall, the rich culture, high quality recipes, and sense of leisure and community is what makes Sevilla such a hot dining spot for tourists and locals. The food not only is extremely rich in flavor, but rich in history as well. The cuisine of Sevilla truly tells a story of the city’s vast and diverse historical experiences.