Alyson Mulato
UMBC Faculty-Led: Child Development and Applied Internship in Granada, Spain
Major: Computer Science
Pre-Departure Post 5/21/25
¡Hola! I’m Alyson Mulato, a Computer Science student at UMBC, and I’ll be spending a month in Granada, Spain. My flight is in 4 days (including today!) and I’m beyond excited (and a little nervous!) to take this next step and share parts of the journey as I go.
Granada is a beautiful city in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, known for its rich history, flamenco culture, and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This trip is a faculty-led study abroad program that includes an applied internship. In the weeks leading up to our departure, we’ve had several pre-departure meetings to get to know each other, prepare for travel, and learn more about Spanish history, culture, and daily life. We’ve also been discussing our course, which focuses on Child Development in a Global Context, and what we’ll be doing once we arrive. While in Granada, we’ll be attending class, visiting a local school for our internship, and engaging in hands-on cultural learning. I’m really looking forward to sharing those experiences as they happen!
Now, you might be wondering why a computer science major is attending a child development study abroad program. Before I fully committed to computer science, I was originally a pre-nursing student planning to go into pediatrics. I made the switch during COVID, when coding and tech were booming. I love my major (despite all its difficulties), but I’ve always felt drawn to pediatrics. After a lot of thinking and prayer, I decided to apply for this program, and I got in! I feel really blessed to have been accepted, and I hope this will be the first step in returning to the pre-med path.
What I’m most excited about is getting to interact with locals and experience Spanish culture firsthand—not just from a textbook or lecture, but by really being there, talking to people, and learning through everyday life. I believe that’s where the most meaningful learning happens. Our internship will take place at a local school in Granada, so we’ll be spending a lot of time with children. Thankfully, many of them speak both English and Spanish, but since I’ve never formally learned Spanish, this will be a fun challenge. I’ve been trying to pick up as much as I can, and being Filipino actually helps—Tagalog has a lot of Spanish loanwords! This will be my first time in Spain, and while I’ve traveled before, visiting a new country is always exciting. I’m curious to see how this immersive, community-based learning experience compares to my past travels and how it will shape the way I see the world—and myself.
Packing has always been my weak spot, and I’m trying my best to pack smart (which is easier said than done!) by limiting myself to one suitcase and a carry-on. Granada’s weather is HOT this time of year, so I’m planning for light clothes and comfy walking shoes—I’ve heard the cobblestone streets can be brutal on your feet! I’ve also decided to get a head start on our coursework. I usually don’t get too affected by jet lag since I’ve traveled back and forth between the Philippines (my hometown) and the U.S. many times while growing up, but it’s always better to be prepared!
As for travel, I’m hoping to explore as much of southern Spain as possible. I’d love to visit Seville, Nerja, and other cities in the Andalusia region. A few classmates and I have already tossed around ideas for weekend beach trips and city hopping, but honestly, I just want to soak up everything Spain has to offer—especially the Alhambra, tapas culture, and any local festivals we come across!
I’ve gotten some great advice from people who’ve been to Spain—like how meal times are much later than I’m used to, how important it is to greet people with a cheerful “¡Buenos días!”, and how I should never say no to churros con chocolate. I’m also mentally preparing myself for the cultural adjustment and the occasional homesickness. But I know stepping outside of my comfort zone will help me grow in ways I can’t even anticipate yet. To help prepare myself emotionally and spiritually, I’ve been sharing about my worries and excitement with my friends at our church’s young adults group. I’ve received so much encouragement and support. We’ve been praying together for safe travels, meaningful connections, and for me to really make the most of this opportunity. It’s been a grounding part of this season, and I feel a deep sense of peace knowing I’m being covered in prayer as I head into this new adventure.
I’ll be sharing updates throughout the month of June, and I’m looking forward to capturing the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Here’s to a semester of growth, discovery, and (hopefully) becoming more fluent in Spanish—even if it’s just to order coffee.
¡Nos vemos pronto, Granada!