Global Classroom
Loyola’s hands-on approach to learning goes international, as graduate students gain fresh insight into global communication, culture, and strategy.
Graduate students from Loyola’s Global Strategic Communication program traveled to Spain over spring break, where they immersed themselves in international communication through coursework, agency visits and cultural exchange.
Starting the journey of a lifetime — heading abroad to experience global communication, collaboration, and new perspectives firsthand.
For many, the experience brought their education to life.
“I knew this would probably be the trip for me,” said Lia Davis, a graduate student in Loyola’s Global Strategic Communication MS program, graduating in Spring 2026. “I am so happy I chose this one because now I can consider working in an agency as a career interest.”
How did immersing yourself in Spain’s culture enhance your learning experience?
“There is something about immersing yourself in another culture that provides you with a memorable experience that you can’t compare to anything I ever could have imagined. I was considering what life would look like abroad if I moved, and after this trip I am seriously considering it,” Davis said.
What initially drew you to the Global Strategic Communication study abroad opportunity in Spain?
“It wasn’t just about being in Spain,” said Meenal Dhiman, a Global Strategic Communication MS student graduating in May. “The chance to visit PR and marketing agencies and see how they operate in a completely different country sounded like an experience I couldn’t pass up. It’s one thing to learn about global communication in a classroom, but it’s another to see it in action.”
How did the spring immersion trip work?
The trip, led by Associate Professor David Kamerer, was in partnership with 黑料门Andalucia University in Seville. The students also studied in Madrid, the capital of Spain.
“Students get to see first-hand how work is created and adapted for distribution throughout Latin America,” said Kamerer. “And perhaps more importantly, they learn the truth of Mark Twain’s quote about travel.”
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts,” wrote Mark Twain. “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
Turning global insights into real-world strategy — learning firsthand how diverse perspectives create stronger campaigns.
GSC students collaborated with 21 peers from Spain, Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In one project, teams were asked to develop a campaign to market a traditional Spanish beverage in the United States.
“It was like this melting pot of perspectives,” Dhiman said. “It really pushed us to think creatively while respecting each other's cultural insights... It felt like a real-world challenge, and that hands-on, collaborative approach really reinforced what SOC is all about.”
For others, the experience expanded their view of the global communications landscape. “This experience showed me the demand for high value communicators who know how to engage and communicate with others across international markets,” said Natalie Collison, a graduate student in the MS program in Global Strategic Communications, also graduating this May. “Today, so many companies are global, and it is vital to understand cultural nuances and keep up to date on world news to be successful.”
The group also visited global PR and marketing agencies SAMY Alliance and LLYC, and visited Osborne, an eighth-generation, family-owned Spanish spirits brand. “We learned about its 300+ year-old history... now, our class is writing a paper discussing Osborne’s branding and how it has remained relevant,” said Collison.
Instructors made a strong impact, too. “The lesson [Professor Alejandra Asensio] taught us about how to discover insights and use them to drive a communication campaign was one of the best lectures I’ve experienced since entering Loyola,” said Rachel Ault, a graduate student in Loyola’s Global Strategic Communication MS program, graduating in May.
It felt like a truly global platform where everyone brought their perspectives and experiences. Everyone was sharing their stories and insights鈥攏ot just in the classroom but even outside鈥攚hen we got to explore Spain with our new friends. Meenal Dhiman, Global Strategic Communication MS, Class of 2025
What insights or guidance from Professor Kamerer or other industry professionals stood out to you? How do you see these lessons influencing your career moving forward?
“One of the key takeaways I got from Professor Kamerer was to always stay curious and never stop learning,” Collison said. “Even though traveling to a new country and not being able to speak the language fluently can be nerve-wracking, it was such an unforgettable experience. Moving forward in my career, I will be sure to always say yes to new adventures, even when they are daunting!”
Beyond academics, the cultural immersion left a lasting impression. “We had to get into groups to prepare a quick presentation on how to make a Spanish beverage popular in the United States,” Davis said. “During the brainstorming phase, we had the opportunity to compare cultural experiences to figure out a plan, and it was great to see that no matter your cultural background there are parts that can fit together like a puzzle to help you reach the goal of communicating strategically.”
Celebrating a truly global classroom experience — where collaboration, culture, and communication came together in unforgettable ways.
What was it like collaborating with your peers in this environment? Did the trip strengthen any connections or provided unexpected networking opportunities?
The trip also helped strengthen relationships within the group. “Travelling with other students from my graduate program was truly the best part of this trip,” Ault said. “Although we have all had classes together for the past year and a half, living together and experiencing Spain as a group brought me so much closer to my classmates. Where some of them were only acquaintances before this trip, I would consider all of them my friends now and will definitely stay connected to everyone after I graduate.”
Dhiman agreed: “It felt like a truly global platform where everyone brought their perspectives and experiences. Everyone was sharing their stories and insights—not just in the classroom but even outside—when we got to explore Spain with our new friends... there were people from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and other parts of the world. I made some wonderful friendships that I know I’ll cherish.”
Strengthening friendships and building global networks — discovering that the world feels a lot smaller when shared with classmates.
“We are hoping to bring the 黑料门University Andalucia students to Chicago and return the favor to immerse them in the full Chicago experience. The trip did provide some unexpected networking opportunities, specifically with the agency visits that I think some of us will take advantage of,” said Davis.
Students called their time abroad “a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blended culture, learning, and lifelong connections,” and “a transformative trip... directly immersed in Spanish culture and the field of global communications.”
Capturing the spirit of connection and creativity — forging friendships across cultures that will last long after the trip.
Story by Bora Cecia • Photos by Prof. David Kamerer, Deanna Harms, and GSC Students
A Global Classroom: GSC Students Share Lessons from Spain
For many, the experience brought their education to life.
“I knew this would probably be the trip for me,” said Lia Davis, a graduate student in Loyola’s Global Strategic Communication MS program, graduating in Spring 2026. “I am so happy I chose this one because now I can consider working in an agency as a career interest.”
How did immersing yourself in Spain’s culture enhance your learning experience?
“There is something about immersing yourself in another culture that provides you with a memorable experience that you can’t compare to anything I ever could have imagined. I was considering what life would look like abroad if I moved, and after this trip I am seriously considering it,” Davis said.
What initially drew you to the Global Strategic Communication study abroad opportunity in Spain?
“It wasn’t just about being in Spain,” said Meenal Dhiman, a Global Strategic Communication MS student graduating in May. “The chance to visit PR and marketing agencies and see how they operate in a completely different country sounded like an experience I couldn’t pass up. It’s one thing to learn about global communication in a classroom, but it’s another to see it in action.”
How did the spring immersion trip work?
The trip, led by Associate Professor David Kamerer, was in partnership with 黑料门Andalucia University in Seville. The students also studied in Madrid, the capital of Spain.
“Students get to see first-hand how work is created and adapted for distribution throughout Latin America,” said Kamerer. “And perhaps more importantly, they learn the truth of Mark Twain’s quote about travel.”
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts,” wrote Mark Twain. “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
GSC students collaborated with 21 peers from Spain, Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In one project, teams were asked to develop a campaign to market a traditional Spanish beverage in the United States.
“It was like this melting pot of perspectives,” Dhiman said. “It really pushed us to think creatively while respecting each other's cultural insights... It felt like a real-world challenge, and that hands-on, collaborative approach really reinforced what SOC is all about.”
For others, the experience expanded their view of the global communications landscape. “This experience showed me the demand for high value communicators who know how to engage and communicate with others across international markets,” said Natalie Collison, a graduate student in the MS program in Global Strategic Communications, also graduating this May. “Today, so many companies are global, and it is vital to understand cultural nuances and keep up to date on world news to be successful.”
The group also visited global PR and marketing agencies SAMY Alliance and LLYC, and visited Osborne, an eighth-generation, family-owned Spanish spirits brand. “We learned about its 300+ year-old history... now, our class is writing a paper discussing Osborne’s branding and how it has remained relevant,” said Collison.
Instructors made a strong impact, too. “The lesson [Professor Alejandra Asensio] taught us about how to discover insights and use them to drive a communication campaign was one of the best lectures I’ve experienced since entering Loyola,” said Rachel Ault, a graduate student in Loyola’s Global Strategic Communication MS program, graduating in May.
What insights or guidance from Professor Kamerer or other industry professionals stood out to you? How do you see these lessons influencing your career moving forward?
“One of the key takeaways I got from Professor Kamerer was to always stay curious and never stop learning,” Collison said. “Even though traveling to a new country and not being able to speak the language fluently can be nerve-wracking, it was such an unforgettable experience. Moving forward in my career, I will be sure to always say yes to new adventures, even when they are daunting!”
Beyond academics, the cultural immersion left a lasting impression. “We had to get into groups to prepare a quick presentation on how to make a Spanish beverage popular in the United States,” Davis said. “During the brainstorming phase, we had the opportunity to compare cultural experiences to figure out a plan, and it was great to see that no matter your cultural background there are parts that can fit together like a puzzle to help you reach the goal of communicating strategically.”
What was it like collaborating with your peers in this environment? Did the trip strengthen any connections or provided unexpected networking opportunities?
The trip also helped strengthen relationships within the group. “Travelling with other students from my graduate program was truly the best part of this trip,” Ault said. “Although we have all had classes together for the past year and a half, living together and experiencing Spain as a group brought me so much closer to my classmates. Where some of them were only acquaintances before this trip, I would consider all of them my friends now and will definitely stay connected to everyone after I graduate.”
Dhiman agreed: “It felt like a truly global platform where everyone brought their perspectives and experiences. Everyone was sharing their stories and insights—not just in the classroom but even outside—when we got to explore Spain with our new friends... there were people from Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and other parts of the world. I made some wonderful friendships that I know I’ll cherish.”
“We are hoping to bring the 黑料门University Andalucia students to Chicago and return the favor to immerse them in the full Chicago experience. The trip did provide some unexpected networking opportunities, specifically with the agency visits that I think some of us will take advantage of,” said Davis.
Students called their time abroad “a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blended culture, learning, and lifelong connections,” and “a transformative trip... directly immersed in Spanish culture and the field of global communications.”