2026 Study Abroad Field Notes
Spain & Morocco

There is something about travel that reminds me why I became a designer.

For three weeks, I had the privilege of leading a group of Louisiana Tech students through Spain and Morocco. Together we wandered centuries-old streets, stood beneath remarkable architecture, shared meals with people from different cultures, sketched until our hands were tired, and discovered that some of life's greatest lessons are found far beyond the classroom.

This journey was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to share it with my daughter, Mia, who is studying to become a designer herself. Watching her experience these places through her own eyes was a gift I will always treasure.

One of my favorite memories happened in a small ceramics workshop in Morocco. Ceramics has become a true passion for Mia, and the artisan invited her to throw a traditional Moroccan tagine on the potter's wheel while the rest of our group watched. Seeing her hands covered in clay, completely immersed in the process, made this mom's heart skip a beat. It was one of those moments that reminded me that travel doesn't just introduce us to new places—it helps us discover new parts of ourselves and the people we love.

I also had the privilege of seeing the world through the eyes of my students. For some, it was their first time leaving the United States. For others, it was their first time on an airplane. I watched them embrace unfamiliar cultures, taste foods they had never imagined trying, and gain the confidence that comes from navigating a world far beyond what was familiar. My hope is that this journey was as transformative for them as it was for me, and that they returned home with a broader perspective, a deeper curiosity, and a greater appreciation for the people and places that make our world so extraordinary.

Spain and Morocco have become two places that I deeply love, and sharing them with others allowed me to experience them in an entirely new way. The architecture, the craftsmanship, the hospitality, and even the simplest conversations reminded me that the best experiences often begin the moment we step outside of what is familiar.

These pages are my way of preserving the moments that shaped this journey—so I can return to them, and perhaps share them with you.

Some are quick sketches. Some are photographs. Others are stories and reflections that I didn't want to forget. They aren't meant to be a complete record of the trip—only the moments that made me stop, look a little longer, and think a little deeper.

I hope these pages inspire you to slow down, stay curious, and experience the world with a sketchbook in hand.

— Marla Emory