Study Abroad Trips: Spain/Portugal 2026

A Taste of Iberia

Porto, Santiago, Oviedo, Bilbao

In spring 2026, Rockhurst University students and staff visited Spain and Portugal and took a deep dive into Iberia's regional diversity and vibrant culinary landscape. They learned how centuries worth of history, migration and language influenced the preparation and significance of certain foods to these cultures.

Traditional sailboats anchored in front of the city

A study abroad group poses for a photo in Spain with a city and mountains behind them

Trip highlights

Took a walking tour through Porto, a coastal city known for its famous Port wine, and visited Torre dos Clerigos, a cathedral located in the center of the town and one of its most recognizable symbols.
Discovered a center of culinary history in Horreos de Combarro and enjoyed a traditional Galician dinner, which is known for its fresh seafood, octopus, and hearty stews.
Took an excursion to Finisterre, or "the end of the world," at one of the most western points on the Iberian Peninsula. Visited a mussel farm to learn more about one of the region's most popular ingredients.
Visited a local cheese farm in Bilbao and learned what makes the northern region of Spain's cheese unique.
Toured Bilbao, one of the largest cities in northern Spain, with an expert local guide, and spent time exploring the Guggenheim Museum of modern and contemporary art.
Took an excursion to San Sebastian, a lively city along the coastline, boasting renowned restaurants and pintxo bars serving regional specialties.
Took optional excursion to Loyola, Spain, birthplace of Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order and tradition of education.

Study Abroad Trip 2026: Spain and Portugal

A group of students wearing red aprons smile for a picture during a cooking class at Gastronomía Bilbao in Bilbao, Spain

A group photo of study abroad participants at dinner in Santiago de Compostela, Spain and smiling at camera.

A group of study abroad participants stand in front of a cross in Pontevedra, Spain

Study abroad group stands in front of the Basilica of St. Ignatius in Loyola, Spain

Inside of the Basilica of St. Ignatiusin Loyola, Spain

A study abroad participant smiles at the camera while feeding a baby calf in Cantabria, Spain

Four study abroad participants sit at a table eating at Cantabria, Spain

A group of four study abroad participants stand in front of a stained glass window at the birthplace and family home of St. Ignatius in Loyola, Spain

Skyline of Porto, Portugal with buildings taking up bottom half of picture and a blue sky the rest.

Three study abroad participants look down at exhibit in Loyola Spain

Study abroad participants look at camera while at dinner in Porto, Portugal.