Beyond the Classroom in Spain and New Orleans
Over March break, 28 students and 6 adults traveled to Andalucía, Spain and New Orleans as part of BUA’s Global Travel Program.
In Spain, students explored the cultural, religious, and linguistic cross-pollination of the region through visits to Islamic mosques, Catholic cathedrals, Jewish quarters, and spectacular palaces built during the height of Muslim rule in southern Spain. Students observed exquisitely-preserved examples of Islamic geometric forms at the Alhambra and Alcázar palaces, and then had the opportunity to recreate their own at plaster and tiling workshops. The group took in a flamenco performance and then tried their hand at the form at a dance lesson later in the trip.
In New Orleans, students explored how art, music, and culture shape identity and belonging and engaged with themes of creativity, resilience, and social justice through visits to the Lower Ninth Ward and the Whitney Plantation. They dove into the roots of blues and jazz with a workshop led by local musicians and a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and even took in a performance at the storied Preservation Hall.
Thank you to all the trip leaders and chaperones for creating these meaningful and memorable experiences for our students!