Cooking Paella While Studying Abroad in Alicante
In order to learn more about the culture that surrounds us while studying abroad in Alicante, Spain, CEA CAPA arranged a cultural workshop where we learned to cook paella. Throughout the semester, CEA CAPA provides a variety of cultural events to get students immersed in the culture of their host country.
Students learning to cook the traditional Spanish dish paella in Alicante, Spain.
The variety of fresh ingredients used during our student's paella cooking class.
Some examples of other experiences this program offers in Alicante are museum trips, wine tastings, and excursions to surrounding towns. These activities allow students to not only learn and experience their new home but also get comfortable with other members of their program and cultural differences.
Combining the seafood elements needed to give paella its flavor.
Students cutting up squid for their dishes.
Vince and Sam cooking Valencian rice and squid for the base of their paella dishes.
Paella is a traditional eastern Spanish cuisine that originated in Valencia. Due to this region's proximity to the ocean, the majority of ingredients are composed of seafood. More specifically, our dishes included shrimp, fish, squid, Valencian rice, and various other ingredients. The cooking class took place at the restaurant Dàrsena, which overlooked the Puerto de Alicante.
Bri adding broth to the rice of their paella dish.
Students cooking the broth of our paella dish.
During the class, we split into groups of three and walked through step-by-step instructions on making the cuisine. While cooking, we were served a variety of tapas, including croquetas. We then ate dinner on the waterfront and got to try everyone's paellas while also grading our own. After we were served dessert, we were presented with certificates for attending the class.
Final product of our paella cooking class.
Sam and his certificate of completion for our paella cooking class.
Students enjoy dinner at Dàrsena, where they enjoyed the paella they had learned to cook earlier.
Our CEA CAPA advisors explained that this experience is meant to encourage us to branch out and try more local dishes. It allowed us to experience Spanish cuisine and learn more about the region's culture. It also allowed us to interact with other members of the program to foster new relationships, making us more comfortable in our new home. Overall, CEA CAPA is working endlessly to teach us about Spanish culture and ensure a happy environment to prosper academically and get us acquainted with our new home.
