This summer, a group of Fordham University faculty and staff swapped the Bronx for beautiful Granada, where they spent several action-packed days exploring everything that makes this study abroad destination unforgettable. From historic monasteries to modern classrooms - with plenty of jamón and sunshine in between - the visit was all about partnership and student support, expansion, and enhancement of programming between Fordham and CEA CAPA Education Abroad. 

Fordham’s long-running semester study abroad program in Granada, hosted by CEA CAPA and the University of Granada, gives students an amazing mix of classes and cultural experiences in one of Andalucía’s most beautiful historic cities. With a wide variety of courses and for-credit internships, students get to dive deep into their studies while soaking up the local vibe - thanks in part to local faculty who not only teach, but also lead unforgettable tours and cultural outings. This hands-on, collaborative approach is a great example for anyone looking to build a study abroad program that truly connects academics with real-world experience. 

The Fordham group was made up of seasoned Granada expert Study Abroad leaders Dr. Joe Rienti and Finley Peay, along with professors Dr. Karina Hogan, Dr. David Myers, and Dr. Ronald Mendez-Clark, representing the Theology, History, and Spanish departments - truly a dream team of academic perspectives! This diverse and dynamic group offered thoughtful insights into how Fordham students connect with global learning, and how the CEA CAPA Granada program can continue growing in ways that support both academic rigor and rich cultural engagement. 

Throughout the visit, the Fordham team met with the CEA CAPA Granada staff - including Begoña Correa Flores (Program Director) and teammates Irene Torrecillas, Jorge Garay, and Carmen Gámez - as well as CEA CAPA Sr. Regional Director, Rebecca James.

After exploring classrooms and the new residence halls, the delegation visited the Alhambra, soaked up the views in the Albayzín, and even enjoyed exclusive access to the Sacromonte Abbey where they had a memorable meeting with the Archbishop himself! Between tapas and guided tours, the group also had the honor of meeting Granada’s Mayor, other civic leaders, and local educators to build even stronger ties between Fordham and the Granada community.  

But this wasn’t just a checklist of meetings and monuments - it was a chance to reimagine what study abroad can be. The conversations were rich, the partnerships deeper, and the churros… well, let’s just say nobody went home hungry. 

Fordham in Granada remains more than a program - it’s a deep and long-lasting partnership, a journey, and a shared commitment to shaping the global citizens of tomorrow. Fordham’s continued investment in Granada reflects a belief that global learning thrives in places where history, community, and academic rigor intersect. (And hey, if a visit like this means longtime collaborators get to bond over tapas, teamwork, and some seriously stunning views—¡mejor todavía!) We’re excited for what’s ahead as Fordham and CEA CAPA continue building meaningful, life-changing experiences for students from New York to Andalucía and beyond. 

We welcome you to explore all that CEA CAPA Granada has to offer and consider how a site visit - here or at one of our other dynamic study or internship locations - could enrich your global education portfolio and support your internationalization goals.