Day 1: Depart from the USA
Flight
Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Madrid.
Overnight
In flight.
Itinerary
Day 2: Madrid
Morning
Arrive in Madrid and make your own way to the accommodation. Meet your TLAC group leader in the lobby of the hotel for check in. Transit passes will be distributed.
Remainder of the day
Free day to rest after arrival.
Overnight
Free day to rest after arrival.
Day 3: Madrid: Walking tour and Cajal Institute
Morning
Guided Walking tour of the city. Deep dive into the history and evolution of Madrid. Focus on the highlights of the small but densely historical old town of Madrid and discover how an isolated hilltop became an exciting capital city.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to the Cajal Institute. The Cajal Neuroscience Center was created through the integration of the historic Cajal Institute and the Cajal International Neuroscience Center. The Center combines a strong scientific tradition with a forward-looking vision, aiming to establish itself as an international leader in neuroscience research, neurotechnology development, and generating social impact.
Evening
Welcome dinner at Taberna El Sur.
Overnight
Madrid.
Day 4: Madrid: Museo Nacional del Prado
Morning
Guided tour of the Prado Museum (Museo Nacional del Prado). The Museo Nacional del Prado has performed the important task of conserving, exhibiting and enriching a set of collections and works of art which, due to their close ties with Spanish history, are recognized as one of the most valuable compendiums of artistic expression known to humanity.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Free time.
Overnight
Madrid.
Day 5: Madrid to Alicante
Morning
Check out previous accommodations.
Depart by train from Madrid to Alicante.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Free time.
Check in at the new accommodations.
Overnight
Alicante.
Day 6: Alicante: Institute for Neuroscience and Universidad Miguel Hernandez
Morning
Visit to the Institute for Neuroscience. The IN, a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH), is today the publicly funded center dedicated to brain research in both normal and pathological conditions in Spain. This is achieved through a multidisciplinary approach towards the study of the structure, function and development of the nervous system at the molecular, cellular and integrative levels.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Depart by private coach to the Universidad Miguel Hernandez.
Visit to the university and lecture about the nervous system.
Depart by private coach from Universidad Miguel Hernandez to Alicante.
Overnight
Alicante.
Day 7: Alicante: Santa Barbara Castle and Boat tour
Morning
Guided visit to Santa Barbara Castle. This castle was designed as one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Boat tour to discover the beauty of the Costa Blanca and Tabarca island.
Overnight
Alicante.
Day 8: Day trip to Murcia
Morning
Depart by train from Alicante to Murcia.
Murcia is a city in southeastern Spain that seamlessly blends historic Baroque architecture with a vibrant student lifestyle. Surrounded by a fertile agricultural valley, the city enjoys a thriving, fresh tapas culture centered around lively pedestrian squares like Plaza de las Flores. Its crowning jewel is the majestic Murcia Cathedral.
Noon
Cooking class at Punto Cuchara.
Afternoon
Depart by train from Murcia to Alicante.
Overnight
Alicante.
Day 9: Alicante to Barcelona
Morning
Check out from the accommodations.
Depart by Private coach from Alicante to Barcelona.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Free time.
Check in at the new accommodation.
Overnight
Barcelona.
Day 10: Barcelona: Park Güell and University of Barcelona
Morning
Visit to Park Güell, a spectacular public park in Barcelona designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, where organic architecture seamlessly blends with nature. This UNESCO World Heritage site features undulating stone structures, twisting columns that resemble tree trunks, and a vibrant mosaic terrace made of colorful broken tiles.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Lecture at the University of Barcelona about human behavior.
Flamenco class at Centro Civico Barceloneta.
Overnight
Barcelona
Day 11: Walking city tour and Sagrada Familia
Morning
Walking city tour of the city where students can see the most famous places.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to La Sagrada Família, which is Antoni Gaudí’s breathtaking and defining icon of the Barcelona skyline. This colossal basilica mimics the structures of the natural world, featuring massive interior columns that branch out like giant stone trees to support a soaring canopy. Sunlight floods through vibrant stained-glass windows, creating an intentional psychological shift from warm to cool colors. It offers an incredible visual experience that shows how structural architecture can directly influence human perception and emotion.
Evening
Farewell dinner at Ca l’Estevat to discover traditional Catalan food.
Overnight
Barcelona
Day 12: Barcelona: Free day
Students depart individually from Barcelona. Must checkout of accommodations by 10am.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Foundations of the Neuron Doctrine & Brain Research
- Neuroscience of Human Behavior & Perception
- Architecture's Influence on Psychological Experience
- Real-World Exposure to Neuroscience Research Institutes
- Interdisciplinary Connections Between Science & Design
- Global Perspectives on Neuroscience Innovation
- Cross-Cultural Engagement with Spanish Heritage
Support for Faculty
Support for Faculty
At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.
- Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
- Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
- Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
- Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
- Pre-departure webinar
Contact Information
We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Spain. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not hesitate to contact us.
