Walden University’s first international residency was held in Spain this summer at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, one of Walden University’s fellow institutions in the Laureate International Universities network.

The landmark event—offering cultural activities in conjunction with seminars, individual advising sessions and networking opportunities—drew nearly 100 doctoral students.

“We worked very closely with the UEM,” says Debbie Friedman, one of Walden’s coordinators for academic residencies. “Their on-site faculty worked with our faculty in both faculty and student development. Students gained a global perspective from the residency and faculty interaction.” 

Cultural events included a tour of Madrid, a visit to the history-rich El Escorial Monastery and a private tour of the world’s largest art gallery, the Prado. Students could also take in a soccer game and a flamenco show.

“Just being in Madrid provoked conversation about positive social change,” one student noted on the evaluative survey. “Being outside our elements enabled us to view social change at a different perspective because it wasn’t in our backyard. We really had to search for it.”

Friedman said the experiences were a great blend, especially the inclusion of both the Madrid tour and the trip outside the city to the monastery.

“The monastery offered more of a historical look at Madrid, which was helpful in creating juxtaposition against the contemporary Madrid tour,” she said.

The on-campus residence hall offered convenience and culture; besides rooms and meals, on-site evening movies drew students and their guests. The subtitled movies focused on a different area of Europe each night.

“It was much more than a typical residency. Many students, and even some faculty, had never been out of the country,” Friedman said. “Those who brought family members also got in a little bit of a family vacation.”

International residencies in 2007 are planned for Santiago, Chile (March 4–10); Liverpool, England (June 24–30); and Madrid (August 19–25). Registration for those residencies opens on Jan. 3.

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