UA Little Rock Students Explore Interfaith Connections and Cultural History During Study Abroad Journey Through Spain
A group of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students embarked on a transformative summer study abroad program that took them on an interfaith and intercultural journey through Spain, where they explored centuries of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influence on Spanish history, politics, and identity.
Led by Dr. Rebecca Glazier, professor in the School of Public Affairs, and Dr. Avinash Thombre, professor of applied communication, the course, “Interfaith and Intercultural Journey Through Spain,” took students to Spain. From May 20 to June 1, they traveled to Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Granada, and the Mediterranean coast city of Almuñécar, where they visited grand cathedrals and mosques to city squares layered with historical memory.
“Getting to meet with local government groups, non-profits, and religious organizations in Spain, visit historical sites, and have meaningful conversations about religion and interfaith connections made for an incredible experience,” Glazier said. “Our night tour of the Mezquita in Córdoba was especially powerful. It is a beautiful site, and hearing about how it was built as a mosque and later converted to a cathedral was important and heartbreaking.”
Through guided tours, academic readings, class discussions, museum visits, and conversations with local leaders and organizations like Casa Árabe and Arco Forum, the group explored themes such as convivencia (coexistence), religious freedom, and the legacy of colonialism and conflict.
“Given the complex history of Spain over the last 2,000 years, there is a wealth of information to explore and learn regarding intercultural and interfaith issues,” Thombre said. “By immersing themselves in the various historical sites of different cities in Spain, our students were exposed to the intricacies and interplay of culture, communication, politics, and faith. The transformative experience is an effort to sensitize our students to the fact that coexistence of our faiths and cultures is possible if we make an effort.”
The students who participated in the study abroad trip included Rory Abbott, Catherine Clevenger, Carlee Felty, Payten Free, Madelyne Hunter, Amirah Jackson, Bex Little, Mercy Macjones, Amaya Mendoza, Jeralyn Mitchell, and Suzy Velez.
For students like Amaya Mendoza, a sophomore political science major, the program offered invaluable preparation for a future career in public policy.
“This trip offered a deep dive into the intersections of religion, politics, and cultural identity,” Mendoza said. “It broadened my global perspective and helped me think critically about real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion. Visiting places like Casa Árabe and leading a discussion on veil bans gave me the opportunity to reflect on the real impacts of policy decisions on people’s lives.”
Madelyne Hunter, a political science senior, said the trip gave her new perspective on the histories and cultures that shape modern society.
“I care a lot about the atmosphere of a place,” she said. “The architecture, the scenery, the cathedrals—it was all unforgettable. Learning that the concept of veiling isn’t actually inherent to Islam was surprising and being able to reflect on that while visiting mosques made the learning experience much deeper.”
For Suzy Velez, a 67-year-old studio art major and full-time student, the journey was as much about personal transformation as academic enrichment.
“Spain has long been my dream destination, and being there inspired me,” Velez said. “From museums to mosques, churches, and cathedrals, each place left its mark. The most powerful moment for me was visiting the Jewish Quarter in Córdoba and learning how entire families were buried in mass graves during the Inquisition. It wasn’t just a history lesson—it was a loss that felt personal.”
Velez described the trip as “soul work” that will continue to inspire her as an artist.
Students also explored Spanish cuisine, engaged in a tile workshop, saw a flamenco performance in Granada, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. Their travels were enriched by daily academic discussions and reflection, both in-person and through blog posts shared with the broader community. The course emphasized cultural immersion, empathy, and critical reflection.
“I’m returning home more open-minded, more curious, and more committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across differences,” Mendoza said. “This wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about becoming a better global citizen.”
The students will host a public event titled, “Interfaith in Action: How Spain’s Religious History Can Impact Little Rock’s Future,” at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at UA Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave. Panelists Rev. Patricia Matthews of the Interfaith Center, Dr. Ali Khan of the Madina Institute, and Hon, Annabelle Imber Tuck of Congregation of B’nai Israel will join students and guests for a community conversation. The event includes a student slideshow of the study abroad trip and light refreshments. For details, contact Glazier at [email protected].