For Ava Mounce, summer in Madrid has been an opportunity to immerse herself in a new culture while gaining a fresh perspective on the world around her.

Mounce, who recently completed Purdue’s First-Year Engineering program and will begin studying Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) this fall, is spending her summer studying Spanish at the University of Nebrija in Madrid, Spain. Living with a host mother named Teresa in the heart of the city, she has been able to fully immerse herself in the Spanish language and everyday life.

“My trip so far has been wonderful and filled with many exciting experiences,” Mounce shared.

Located near Madrid’s iconic Retiro Park, Mounce has spent much of her free time exploring the city and its cultural landmarks. Through the study abroad program, she has visited locations such as the Royal Palace, San Miguel Market, the Cathedral of Almudena, Plaza de Sol, and Plaza Mayor. She has also taken advantage of opportunities to travel beyond Madrid, including a weekend trip to Valencia, where she explored the city and spent time on the Mediterranean coast.

In addition to her travels, Mounce is enrolled in courses on Spanish culture and art, including a class that incorporates multiple visits to the world-renowned Prado Museum. The experience has allowed her to deepen both her language skills and her understanding of Spanish history and culture.

As an incoming SEE student, Mounce has also found herself viewing her surroundings through an engineering and sustainability lens. While exploring Spain, she has noticed differences in public transportation systems, urban cleanliness, and the ways historic buildings continue to function in modern cities.

“Although this program is through the language department, I’ve been paying close attention to how the places I visit interact with the environment,” she said.

The study abroad experience will also help Mounce complete her Spanish minor, creating more flexibility in her future schedule to pursue SEE-related coursework.

From navigating Madrid’s bustling neighborhoods to discovering new cities across Spain and beyond, Mounce is gaining valuable global perspectives that will serve her well as she begins her journey in SEE this fall.