Professor, students enjoy trip to Spain

The trip was led by Hilda Lopez-Laval, who is retiring after 11 years as a Spanish professor at Chadron State.

She agreed with the students that the trip was a good one.

“We all had a great time,” said Lopez-Laval. “The people of Spain are very friendly and like to have visitors. I have led about 20 trips to either Spain or Mexico and have been very lucky. I never had a problem with a student or had an accident during any of them. We always returned safely.”

Lopez-Laval said seeing the ocean for the first time is always a thrill for the Nebraskans she has taken to Spain. “They always enjoy the sea and the beaches so much,” she noted.

Two weeks were spent in the Mediterranean city of Alicante and one week in Madrid. The students lived with host families at both locations.

“That way they are immersed into the culture and learn to talk the language,” said Lopez-Laval. “That’s the best way to learn a new language.”

Andrae Graesser of Edgar, Neb., a CSC junior, called the trip awesome and an eye-opening experience. Kasy Epke of Valentine said it was amazing.

“I loved everything! Madrid has so much to do and is a fun city,” said Epke. “I learned the most from being in the streets and conversing with the natives. Alicante is just beautiful. The beach and the city were amazing and the people were very friendly. I would love to visit either of those cities again some day.”

Kari Littrel of Chadron said the trip and living with Spanish families were incredible learning experiences. “I hope to travel back in the near future,” she added.

Andrea Carder of Albion said both Madrid and Alicante are beautiful and noted that her Spanish-speaking skills greatly improved during the three weeks.

Another Albion native, Lindsey Michael, said the trip was both educational and fun. She said she met many people from around the world and enjoyed living with her host families.

“It was an awesome experience to be surrounded by a different culture,” said Kelley Pease of North Platte. “I learned a lot about myself and the Spanish culture. I would go on this trip again in a heart-beat. The three weeks I spent in Spain is an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The other students who participated are Kristin Corey of Scottsbluff, Joe Merrill of Loup City and Kent Hansen of North Platte.

Also on the trip was Lopez-Laval’s husband, noted artist Ognyan Kolev, a native of Bulgaria whom she met in Spain in 2001. The couple will be moving from Chadron in mid-July. They plan to live eight or nine months each year in her native Buenos Aires and the remaining months in Varana, Bulgaria.

“I will miss the college,” Lopez-Laval said. “I had some good years here.”