Today, our group took a trip to Cruz Roja (Red Cross)— one of 29 locations in Alicante, Spain. We learned about how the Red Cross uses technology similar to Life Alert to help keep the elderly safe in their daily lives with a watch, belt, or necklace button that they can press to receive emergency help. There is also an app that, when needed, can send emergency services to one’s location to help young women feel safe when going out at night. This app and the physical button option are also frequently given to those suffering from domestic violence. They also have programs for addiction in the homeless population, a call center to keep in touch with their elderly weekly or sometimes even daily, comprehensive assistance for refugees, and methods to reduce the spread of STI’s.
After touring Cruz Roja and learning what they do there, our group had the opportunity to play an interactive game based on real life situations that highlighted the difficulties faced by refugees from all over the world. The activity demonstrated the variety of causes for needing to leave one’s home country like fleeing persecution due to: war (Ukraine and Syria examples), conflict between families due to interracial marriage (Nigeria example), or even one’s sexuality (Honduras example). Featured is a photo of three students’ success of the Ukraine scenario of the game, where the husband sacrificed himself by getting arrested while his wife and child fled; the family was then reunited when he was released from prison.
After the tour, we went home for lunch with our host families. Then, we reunited for a debrief session in the park in Plaza de Los Luceros. Each student shared two things they had learned about themselves and one observation about the difference between Spanish and American culture. The beautiful park and the students seated in a circle on picnic blankets are featured below.
Once the reflection was over and before heading home for dinner with host families, a group of students went on a shopping trip. Alicante is full of all kinds of shops, from big name brands like Zara (picture featured on the escalator of one of seven floors in the store) to smaller stores like Ale-Hop which is found only in Spain and has hats, shoes, bags, and all kinds of fun accessories. After shopping, we all headed home to prepare for our trip tomorrow to… Granada!
-Jamie Warner
Social Work Study Abroad in Spain 2022: Alicante & Granada 