Spanish Language Residents

2025-2026 Academic Year: Blanca López Sagarra

Tell us something special about your hometown.

I was raised in a beautiful little coastal town called Aguadulce in the southeast of Spain. It’s located next to the only true desert in Europe, which is incredible to see. Tabernas desert has also been the setting for major international productions such as Indiana Jones, Black Mirror, and Games of Thrones. I am very passionate about our culture which is influenced by its Islamic past. We have a stunning coastline with natural beaches and the most delicious seafood.

Tell us about your teaching philosophy.

I have always believed that to truly learn or get better at something, you need to make mistakes – and lots of them. These will be part of our process and we’ll enjoy learning together! So, don’t stress about nailing every verb conjugation or pronunciation perfectly. I want you to feel that learning Spanish goes beyond studying it in the classroom. I believe that to truly delve into a language, you need to live experiences that connect you even more with it. That is my goal for this year: encouraging you to use Spanish as a tool to explore another world, create new memories, and most importantly, connect with more people.

Tell us about any fun ideas you would like to do in your conversation classes.

Showcasing Andalusian Culture is an absolute must for me! If you enjoy food as much as I do (and I’m sure you do), then we can embark on a culinary journey through Andalucía! Each province has its own unique flavors and dishes, such as delicious migas from Almería, the refreshing salmorejo from Córdoba or a variety of tapas. Not only will we learn recipes, but we'll also share stories and traditions behind each dish.

Do you have a creative side? Let’s express what our views about Spain are! We can express them through art and you can let your imagination run wild. Whether it's the vibrant streets of Seville or the serene landscapes of Granada, paint what Spain means to you and share your masterpiece with me.

And if you are a movie buff… We'll recreate iconic scenes from your favorite movies, but with a twist – we'll do it in Spanish. Think about the drama, the excitement, and the fun of acting out scenes with your classmates. ¡Luces, cámara, acción!

2025-2026 Academic Year: Ignacio Moreira Morales

Tell us something special about your hometown.

I was born and raised in Santiago, the capital of Chile. As the country’s most populous city, it can feel overwhelming at times—but that’s also what makes it so unique. My hometown is diverse and multicultural, having welcomed immigrants from across Latin America. And because Chile is such a narrow country, you can hike in the Andes, visit a downtown museum, and enjoy the beach all in the same day.

Tell us what you would like to see in California or in the U.S. during your time at the College.

I hope to visit as many museums, historical landmarks, and art galleries as possible while learning about California’s rich history and culture. I'm especially looking forward to exploring the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, The Broad, LACMA, and the California Science Center. As someone who loves swimming and beach days, I’m also excited to enjoy outdoor activities along the coast—especially in Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach.

Tell us what you studied at the university and what you might like to do one day.

I hold a B.A. in Linguistics and English, as well as a B.A. in Education. I am eager to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and become a specialist in second language learning and teaching, language assessment, and classroom-based research. My goal is to apply this knowledge to enhance my teaching practice and contribute to creating a more effective, engaging, and enjoyable learning experience for students.

Past Spanish Language Residents