George Fox University | Academics | Departments | Cultural Activities and Field Trips

Integrating the Spanish language into the spiritual life of George Fox University students, the Spanish office provides a chapel held in Spanish each month, usually located in the Edwards-Holman Science Building.

Consistently ranging in attendance from 40-60 students, Spanish chapels are an excellent time for those who speak Spanish to come together to worship Christ, to participate in Bible reading, and to listen to a sermon or short devotionals presented in Spanish.

If you are interested in leading worship in Spanish, reading a passage of Scripture, or willing to present a devotional/sermon in Spanish for this time of communal worship, please contact Debbie Berho directly. ¡Que Dios os bendiga!

La Casa Hispana

Spanish Retreat

All students who speak or are studying Spanish have the opportunity to spend one weekend per year on the Spanish Retreat. This weekend is dedicated to conversing, playing, and relaxing while communicating only in Spanish. The 2006 Spanish Retreat was at the Jaffe's cabin on the North Fork of the Santiam.

Spanish Major Graduation Tea

Hosted by the Spanish Office and in honor of the Chilean "Once" Tea, all graduating Spanish majors are invited to celebrate their accomplishments at the Lavender Tea House for high tea. This is a special time for students and professors to interact, share memories, and discuss the students' future plans as they leave George Fox to pursue the integration of Spanish into their daily lives. To receive more information about the Spanish Major Graduation Tea, contact Professor Viki Defferding.

Field Trips

Las Ramblas in McMinnville

In the spring semester of 2007, students of the Spanish 340 class, Culture and Civilization of Spain, had the opportunity to experience the authentic cuisine of Spain at La Rambla. Getting together for an authentic Spaish dinner in McMinnville, this experience provided each student with a little taste of the food of Spain, its unique style, and rich flavor.

Mt. Angel Pilgrimage

Accompanied by George Fox University professor Caitlin Corning, Ph.D, students of the Spanish 340 class, Culture and Civilization of Spain, had the unique opportunity to visit the Mt. Angel Abbey, located in Mt. Angel, Ore.

After receiving a paper-guide corresponding to the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) lining the path to the abbey, students stopped, reflected, and prayed at each station of the cross, participating in their own pilgrimages up to the abbey.

Upon reaching the abbey, an archivist provided students with the chance to view medieval manuscripts and devotional booklets ranging from the 14th and 15th centuries which corresponded to the era the students were studying.

Nearing the end of the three-hour trip, students participated in the noon prayers held by the monks of the abbey. This provided the students with a glimpse into the monastic life, and allowed the students to receive first-hand experience with century's old documents. For more information regarding this trip, please contact Professor Debbie Berho directly.

Seattle Art Museum

Taking advantage of the Seattle Art Museum's exhibit Spain in the Age of Exploration, 1492-1819, students of the Spanish 340 class, Culture and Civilization of Spain, had the firsthand opportunity to view letters written between Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabel, to admire the armor of King Phillip II of Spain, and, among others painters, to view works from such artists as Diego Velazquez, Francisco Goya, and El Greco. This fantastic opportunity allowed students to experience the culture and history of Spain in a manner which is nearly impossible outside of Spain.The Seattle Museum was a one time deal because of a special exhibit

The Spanish office is dedicated to providing its students with relevant cultural activities that will enhance the learning experience of all students. These, among many others, are a few of the most recent activites in which George Fox University Spanish students have participated.