Al-Andalus July 20-27 2026
Our journey into Southern Spain’s past will begin at home, as we explore the history of Muslim Spain through structured academic study guided by our instructor, Dr. Firas Alkhateeb. Together, we will begin tracing the 600-year history of Muslims in the region, immersing ourselves in the intellectual legacy that shaped al-Andalus.
Our on-site exploration will begin in Córdoba (قرطبة), where we will investigate the origins of Muslim political, social, and intellectual life. Through visits to key archaeological sites and dedicated classroom instruction, we will uncover the vestiges of its Islamic past and the foundations they set for centuries to come.
We will then continue our expedition in Granada (غرناطة), the jewel of al-Andalus after a short stop in Ronda (روندا). Here, the aesthetic sensibilities of the Andalusi past narrate the final chapters of Muslim existence in the Iberian Peninsula. Our time in Granada will include both on-site learning and classroom sessions that deepen our study of the region’s cultural and historical significance.
We will conclude our expedition with a visit to the Alpujarras (البشرات), where we will walk in the footsteps of the last free Muslims of 16th-century al-Andalus and gain deep insight into their lived experiences, resilience, and the remarkable infrastructure they established despite intense political pressures.
This study trip is curated for 3rd and 4th-year high school students and incoming university freshmen.
Our Chaperones
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Omar brings a strong background in leadership and mentorship, to Road to Roots. As a Product Manager in the technology space and an adjunct economics instructor, he is passionate about helping young people think critically, ask meaningful questions, and grow with confidence.
Omar has been actively involved in youth work for over six years, leading halaqas, facilitating discussions, organizing volunteer initiatives, and supporting youth camps throughout the Muslim community. These experiences have shaped his commitment to mentorship and meaningful youth engagement.
Currently, in addition to his professional work, Omar focuses on professional development programming for high school students, college students, and young professionals, helping them navigate academic, career, and personal growth with clarity and purpose.
As a chaperone, Omar is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where participants can deepen their understanding, build lasting friendships, and connect their experiences to their personal growth. He believes the most impactful learning happens when thoughtful study is combined with real-world experience and meaningful dialogue.
Omar resides in Chicago with his wife and three children.
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Jameela brings a deep and enduring passion for science education and experiential learning to Road to Roots. For more than two decades, she has taught middle and high school students across a wide range of learning environments, including classrooms, outdoor field experiences, and afterschool programs.
She holds degrees from Barnard College and Teachers College, Columbia University, and was awarded a Fulbright Program scholarship. Additionally, Jameela has studied Qur'an, Arabic, and Hanafi fiqh in Damascus, Syria.
As an educator, she prioritizes careful observation, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful dialogue. She encourages students to see academic studies not as separate from spiritual life, but as pathways to deeper understanding and reverence.
Jameela currently teaches Qur’an and serves in a homeschool cooperative in Northern California, where she coordinates the K–8 science program. An avid birder and enthusiastic hiker, she spends her free time exploring local trails and observing wildlife. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and daughter.
Travel Logistics
All attendees must arrive in Córdoba by July 19. Our program will officially commence on July 20 and end July 27. All attendees will depart Granada on July 28.
We request that attendees fly into Málaga, and we will make every effort to coordinate a group flight. Students will travel under the supervision of our chaperones.
Upon arrival in Málaga, you will be transported by bus to your accommodations in Córdoba, insha’Allah.
The program strongly advises against arranging travel independently. The program cannot provide support for independent travel plans and will not accept liability for delays, complications, or missed program activities resulting from personally arranged transportation.
Tuition
The cost of this program is $3,600 (before February 15) $3800 after February 15. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. APRIL 5, 2026
Tuition covers the following:
Meals: Halal lunch and dinner
3- to 4-star accommodations in neighborhoods screened for safety
Tickets to monuments, museums, and archaeological sites
Guided Tours by certified professionals at major sites
Transportation: Airport transfers and intercity transportation
on a comfortable 24-seater bus2 Adult chaperones who will accompany students and provide social, emotional and academic assistance throughout the program (not including the instructor and curator).
COURSES:
On-site courses taught by a doctoral-level educator
Activities: Hands-on artisan workshop, horseback riding, and archery
Materials: Course books and journals
Preparatory classes, aimed at building a foundational understanding of Andalusi history, will be held before departure.
Post-trip class: an online session dedicated to reviewing and reflecting on the study trip experience, drawing conclusions and insights
This fee does not include: Airfare ✈️ and personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, breakfast or additions to any of the meals such as drinks, sides, etc.
Applications
The Application Process
The Road to Roots application process is structured in two phases, designed to give early applicants priority access and a significant tuition discount.
Applications Open December 24 ⭐️
Apply between December 24, 2025 and February 15, 2026 along with your (refundable) deposit in order to be considered.
Tuition: Applicants who submit by this deadline secure a rate of $3600.
Priority enrollees may qualify for a four-part payment planinstead of the standard three-part plan, making the installments more manageable.Process:
Submit your complete application, including the initial deposit,
by February 15th.Interviews will be scheduled and conducted after Ramadan.
If accepted, you will receive your offer of acceptance.
Late Applications:
Ends March 31, 2026 (9 pm CST)
Applications submitted between February 16 and March 27, 2026 (9 pm CST) cannot secure the discounted rate.
Note: Applications in this phase are subject to the Full Tuition Rate of $3800 and are reviewed only after the Priority Pool is finalized.
Interviews will be scheduled and conducted after Ramadan.
‼️ Important Notes
Deposit Requirement: All applications must include the initial deposit to be considered.
Capacity: Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality experience. Applying during the first deadline window is the best way to secure your seat. Applying after, could potentially place you in a waiting list.
Cancellation Policy: All payments are non-refundable and non-cancellable after
May 20, 2025
FAQ
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The organizer will conduct a roll call each morning, upon boarding and disembarking from vehicles, and every evening before retiring for the night.
Students are expected to stay with their group during tours and walks.
Each student will be assigned a chaperone to whom they will report, and this adult will be dedicated to overseeing their well-being throughout the trip.
For security, passports will be kept with the adults for the duration of our stay. Leave a copy of your passport (picture page) with your parents/guardians in the U.S.
Do we have an emergency protocol in place?
We will detail our safety, health, and emergency protocols during our Parent Orientation. A hard copy will be made available to you. -
We expect students to practice mindfulness throughout this experience. Because mobile phones can disrupt the suhba and the group’s overall focus, their use will be strictly limited.
Mobile phones may not be used at any point during the trip, except during a designated time set aside specifically for calling parents.
These guidelines will be reviewed in detail during the Orientation session.
Please note that laptops are not permitted.
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Peer and Gender Interactions
Housing:
Students will be housed in accommodations that are strictly gender-segregated, with adult chaperones positioned to ensure safety and supervision. Room assignments will be based on availability, and we will take great care to uphold our values, ensuring both safety and comfort. Detailed housing information will be provided before departure.Transportation:
Most group travel will be via bus. Adult chaperones will be present on all rides to ensure that gender segregation is maintained during transit.Interactions and Conduct:
Our goal is to instill the principles of adab in all interactions, encouraging respectful communication while upholding appropriate boundaries and maintaining ḥayā’ (modesty) for both young men and women.Unsupervised interaction between boys and girls is not permitted. Students are not permitted to explore monuments, shopping areas, or dining spaces together without supervision.
Lectures will be held in shared spaces, but seating will be divided by gender.
Dining arrangements will likewise be gender-segregated for comfort and alignment with our values.
All social activities will also be conducted separately by gender.
These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and mindful environment for every participant.
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Regarding our young women traveling without a mahram. Although there are varied fatawa regarding this issue, we lean towards this fatwa which helps clarify the matter:
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We will encourage students to call parents at breakfast and evenings at the hotel. Please keep in mind Spain is 7 hours ahead of Chicago time.
We encourage participants to share their location with parents at all times, you may also use an air tag to track your child.
Road to Roots will have 1 liason in the United States, available for communication in the case of emergencies.
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A parent WhatsApp group will be created to post periodic updates on the group's whereabouts, inshallah.
At the end of each day, we will send a recap to keep you updated. You can expect to receive these updates by mid to late afternoon US time, InshaAllah.
Parents, you will always be in the know!
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Parents are welcome to text or call the designated adult chaperones for any urgent matters. All necessary phone numbers will be provided prior to departure. In addition, we have a U.S.-based liaison who will be available to field calls and assist with communication throughout the trip.
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Through our years of teaching and our recent trip to Spain with students ages 16–18, we have seen firsthand that even a one-week study abroad experience can lead to remarkable growth. Students developed greater confidence, stronger self-responsibility, and deeper insight and awareness. At Road to Roots, we do not underestimate the potential of young people; we believe that meaningful experiences challenge them to grow in ways that often surprise even their parents.