Exploring Spain: A Transformative Journey for Student Journalists

Sitting in the back of a pickup truck that bounced up the side of a mountain toward a Spanish pig farm, Darin Zullo found it hard to believe that only a few weeks ago he had never been outside the U.S. This moment marked a significant transformation for Zullo, who, within a month in the summer of 2025, had evolved from a novice to a pavement-pounding reporter, comfortable traveling alone in the rural landscapes of Seville.

The Dialogue of Civilizations Program

Zullo was part of a team of Northeastern University student journalists participating in a month-long study abroad program known as a Dialogue of Civilizations. This initiative is designed to immerse students in different cultures while honing their reporting skills. Under the guidance of investigative reporter and Northeastern professor Mike Beaudet, along with Spanish lecturer Yanet Monica Canavan, the students embarked on a journey that would take them through the heart of Spain.

Immersive Learning Experience

The program was not merely an academic exercise; it was a hands-on experience that allowed students to report on a variety of topics, from flamenco dancers in Madrid to Spain’s declining birth rate. The culmination of their efforts was showcased in “Exploring Spain,” a four-segment entry in the award-winning magazine-style TV news program Chronicle, which airs on Boston’s WCVB-TV. This project not only highlighted the students’ journalistic skills but also earned them nominations for prestigious awards, including a 2026 New England Emmy Award.

Preparation and Cultural Immersion

To prepare for this immersive experience, Beaudet and Canavan adopted a two-pronged approach. Canavan emphasized cultural knowledge through class sessions and research projects focused on various aspects of Spanish society and history. Once in Spain, students were tasked with finding stories, cultivating sources, filming, editing, and producing their own video stories. This hands-on approach ensured that the students were not just reporting from a distance but were deeply engaged with the communities they were covering.

Diverse City Experiences

The group traveled to three distinct Spanish cities, each offering unique insights into the country’s culture. In Madrid, students encountered a vibrant, modern Spain with global connections. Seville, located in southern Spain, provided a glimpse into traditional flamenco dance and the historical Islamic influence of the Moors. Finally, Salamanca, one of Europe’s oldest cities, showcased living history through its stunning architecture. Canavan also led excursions to historic sites like the Roman aqueduct in Segovia and the majestic Alhambra in Granada, enriching the students’ understanding of Spain’s diverse heritage.

Real-World Reporting

Throughout the program, students engaged in site visits, interviews, and interactions with locals, allowing them to report on stories that were grounded in real experiences. Beaudet divided the 16 students into four groups, each focusing on a broad topic: food, tourism, history/culture, and their own experiences reporting in Spain. This structure encouraged collaboration and creativity, with students pitching potential stories and receiving feedback from Chronicle’s executive producer, Julie Mehegan.

Uncovering Hidden Stories

The stories produced by the students were not limited to the well-known aspects of Spanish culture. They delved into lesser-known narratives, such as the more than 8,000 cloistered nuns who seclude themselves while making and selling confectionery to support their convents. They also tackled serious societal issues, such as Spain’s low birth rate, which has raised concerns about the country’s demographic future. Additionally, the students highlighted Chueca, a neighborhood in Madrid that serves as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community in a predominantly Catholic city.

The Challenges and Rewards

Participating in such an intensive program is undoubtedly challenging. However, both Beaudet and his students emerged with stories that would resonate for a lifetime. The month-long experience fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students, creating bonds that would last well beyond their time in Spain.

Personal Growth Through Reporting

Senior journalism and criminal justice student Azalea Murray co-produced a story about jamón, a type of cured ham that is a source of national pride in Spain. By profiling Antonio Marin, a veterinarian and third-generation farmer, she chronicled the laborious process behind this culinary staple. This story not only formed part of Chronicle’s Spanish gastronomy segment but also earned her an Emmy, showcasing the tangible rewards of their hard work.

Murray reflected on her experience, noting that reporting in a new country pushed her out of her comfort zone and deepened her understanding of Spanish culture. Engaging with locals and tackling small projects allowed her to gain insights into the community that she might not have experienced had she traveled alone.

This program exemplifies how immersive learning can transform students into adept journalists, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to navigate the complexities of reporting in a global context. Through their travels, these students not only learned about Spain but also about themselves, emerging as more confident and capable storytellers.