Angel Cruz

B.S in Statistics & Data Science, B.A. in Spanish, May 2026 

I studied abroad at the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain during summer 2024. 

My study abroad experience was a language-intensive, faculty-led program in Salamanca. I took three Spanish classes each day, followed by evening activities such as historical tours, cooking lessons where we learned to make paella and tortilla, and flamenco shows. Although I was in Salamanca for only a month, I truly felt immersed in Spanish culture—taking siestas, enjoying tapas, and even watching Spain win the Euro Cup. As a native Spanish speaker, I wasn’t worried about communication, but I was surprised to encounter a sense of disconnect due to dialect differences. The first week was the most challenging as I adjusted my everyday language with the help of my host mom. By the end of the month my Spanish had improved, and I was using Spanish lingo opposed to my normal Caribbean vocabulary. Overall, I loved my time in Salamanca and hope to return one day. 

I am currently writing my Honors Thesis on mathematics curricula in Massachusetts high schools. My research involves a comparative analysis using mathematics MCAS and SAT scores to evaluate curriculum performance. In the fall, I will be returning to UMass to pursue a master’s degree in Statistics & Data Science. After graduation, I plan to work as a data analyst before transitioning to a career in education where I hope to teach high school mathematics.