The visit of the International School of Helsingborg to Spark Spanish in El Puerto de Santa María from October 7th to 12th was an exciting and enriching experience for everyone involved. With a well-organized itinerary that combined language classes, cultural activities, and excursions, the students were fully immersed in Spanish culture and had the opportunity to practice the language in real-life settings.
The group arrived late at night after their flight to Málaga, where they were met by the Spark team. During the journey to El Puerto, they enjoyed a midnight snack, and upon arrival at the Spark residence, they settled in with an introduction to the facilities and a brief safety tour before resting up for the days ahead.
The first full day began with a Spanish lesson to ease the students into using the language from the start. After class, they explored the local area with a guided visit to the cemetery and the historic Penal del Puerto, learning about the town’s history about Civil War.
Following a packed lunch, the group enjoyed a visit to the castle of El Puerto and spent the late afternoon at the beach, where they could relax and enjoy the sunny weather. In the evening, they returned to Spark for a BBQ dinner and a film session, wrapping up their first day with a blend of fun and relaxation.
On the second day, the group took a ferry to Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Once there, they divided into smaller groups to visit the Torre Tavira and explore the archaeological museum. After lunch, they had some free time for shopping and discovering the charming streets of Cádiz before taking the ferry back to El Puerto. In the evening, they strolled along the beach, enjoying the gentle breeze and the calming sounds of the sea before calling it a night.
Thursday was another eventful day filled with a mix of cultural activities and adventure. The students started with traditional churros con chocolate, a favorite Spanish breakfast, before engaging in a rotation of three activities: a paella cooking class, a flamenco dance lesson, and another Spanish class. These hands-on experiences allowed the students to engage with the local culture in an interactive way, developing new skills and building their confidence in using the language. The afternoon was spent kayaking in the Los Toruños Natural Park, an exhilarating activity that fostered teamwork and gave them the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region. They ended the evening with a tapas dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying delicious dishes and sharing laughs with their teachers and peers.
The following day took the students to Seville, where they explored the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Plaza de España, the Giralda, the Cathedral, and the Alcázar. With time to walk around the city center and experience Seville’s vibrant atmosphere, the group marveled at the blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture that defines the city. After a long day of exploration, they returned to El Puerto to unwind and enjoy a quiet evening at the Spark residence.
The last day marked the end of their Spanish adventure. After breakfast, the students packed their bags and took a coach to Málaga, where they had time to explore the city center and visit the Picasso Museum. Reflecting on the week’s activities, they realized how much they had learned and grown over the course of their stay. With packed lunches in hand, they made their way to the airport, ready to return to Sweden with new memories, friendships, and a greater appreciation for Spanish language and culture.
Throughout the trip, the chaperone ensured that the group stayed organized and engaged, helping the students make the most of each activity. The collaboration between Spark Spanish and the school created a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, blending education with adventure in a meaningful way. The students left with more than just improved language skills—they carried home memories of churros, flamenco, and kayaking, as well as the satisfaction of having stepped out of their comfort zones. Spark Spanish looks forward to welcoming more groups like the International School of Helsingborg for future immersive experiences.
We enjoyed our time with Helsingborg here and hope it was a memorable experience for everyone.
Wish to do a similar tour to this?