Kaitlyn Mascatelli

Katilyn Mascatelli spent the month of July living and studying in Madrid, Spain, through a program set up by the University Studies Abroad Consortium, or USAC. Upon arrival she was introduced to her host family, a mother and her teenage daughter, and was brought to their centrally-located apartment. Katilyn took two classes at the Vicálvaro campus of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, which was located a 40-minute metro ride away from her apartment. She took an intermediate Spanish language course, where she enhanced her speaking and writing skills with weekly compositions. Katilyn’s favorite class was “Contemporary Gender Roles in Europe,” where she closely examined the gender dynamics of a country so different than her own. She was able to see in real-time the topics that were covered in class as she explored Madrid; this included everything from small family sizes to women’s dressed-up style to men and fathers expressing themselves through personal style. Katilyn spent much of her time out in the city with Spaniards, exploring parks, art museums, and restaurants. She fell in love with the city and its people, and wants to return as soon as possible.