Category: Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Winter Session 2026 Study Abroad Highlights
April 06, 2026 Written by Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures | Photos courtesy of Olga Villem, David Mathe, Natalia Amelotti, Robin Depto and Amy Bustin
University of Delaware study abroad program directors share adventure highlights across Europe, South America and Central America
In January 2026, University of Delaware students traded the Newark winter for immersive cultural experiences across Europe. Led by expert faculty from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, these Winter Session programs transformed international cities into living classrooms. Whether mastering traditional culinary arts in Germany or navigating the "lived language" of Spanish tea rooms, students gained a deeper understanding of the world—and their place within it—through firsthand engagement with global history, architecture and community.
Leipzig, Germany
Program Director: Ester Riehl, Assistant Professor of German
“I have led ten winter session study abroad trips over the last 20 years. Seven of them were to Leipzig. While I simply enjoy living in Germany for a short period of time, I also love watching students make their way around the city, learn how to navigate public transportation, explore new territory and enjoy new experiences. This year in Leipzig, students watched the Leipzig Red Bulls soccer team win their match. Simran Montagne listed the day trip to Meissen as one of her favorite moments: ‘We took the train in the morning and spent the day walking through the cute town and visiting a beautiful castle.’” — Ester Riehl
Granada, Spain
Program Director: Lara Pilar Boyero Agudo, Assistant Professor of Spanish
“In the Winter 2026 Granada program, the city itself became a classroom. Surrounded by layers of history, from Moorish architecture to lively plazas, students experienced language not just as something to be studied, but as something lived daily. Long afternoons in traditional teterías, conversations echoing through narrow streets, and the rhythm of everyday life deepened their cultural understanding and sense of connection. Granada offered a space where learning, community and curiosity naturally came together, making the study abroad experience both enriching and unforgettable.” — Lara Pilar Boyero Agudo
Paris, France
Program Director: Ana Oancea, Associate Professor of French
“Students toured the Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) in Versailles at the end of a food and entertainment-themed guided tour. They followed up on the visit with a discussion of King Charles III's recent visit to the very same Galerie des Glaces.” — Ana Oancea
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Program Director: Meghan McInnis-Domínguez, Associate Professor of Spanish
“Students spent a memorable day in Tigre, where they experienced the region from the water on a boat excursion, explored the vibrant local arts-and-crafts scene, and visited the Museo de Arte Tigre. Framed by the museum’s stunning architecture, this photo captures a day of cultural discovery, shared learning and community beyond the classroom.” — Meghan McInnis-Domínguez
Costa Rica
Program Directors: Amy Bustin, Associate Professor of Spanish, and Sheila Villaverde, Instructor of Spanish
“Students visited the Irazú Volcano National Park, which protects the colossal active volcano Irazú, situated in the Cordillera Central close to the city of Cartago.” — Amy Bustin
Athens, Greece
Program Directors: Tyson Sukava, Associate Professor of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, and David Satran, Associate Professor of English.
“Standing here atop the acropolis of Nafpaktos, students had a chance to reflect upon our course themes of competition in the ancient word while gazing below at the ancient Mediterranean harbor.
This is a place where various powers over thousands of years had chosen to erect their fortifications, each in time ceding to the next age. But all have left their impression. In challenging themselves to embrace new places and experiences across our study abroad, students have left their own mark here in Greece too, as it has left its mark on them.” — Tyson Sukava
Florence, Italy
Program Director: Jennifer Waldburger Máthé, Instructor of Italian
“Thirty students enjoyed language classes in the morning and learned the rich and consequential history of so many landmarks and artworks of the Renaissance in the afternoons. They toured Palazzo Vecchio and saw where the Medicis ruled and lived, their beautiful map room which contained very recognizable maps drawn in the 1500s and ended the evening with a mini concert performed by one of our students on the grand piano in the palazzo’s courtyard.” — Jennifer Waldburger Máthé
