School Trip to Spain: Cadiz and El Puerto de Santa Maria
We were happy to welcome Ellon Academy in El Puerto de Santa María in February 2025! The group stayed with us in our Spark Residence where they took part in our Spanish classes and learned about the Spanish culture through the cultural activities that the Spark team had organized.
At Spark, we are passionate about bringing language and culture to life, and the immersive experience we shared with the students of Ellon Academy was nothing short of spectacular! Over four action-packed days, these enthusiastic students from Scotland embraced Spanish culture with open minds, adventurous spirits, and an impressive determination to improve their language skills.
As soon as they landed in Málaga, the excitement was palpable. The journey to El Puerto de Santa María gave students their first taste of Spanish landscapes, but the real adventure began when they arrived at Spark. After settling in and a quick fire safety tour, it was time for their first Spanish challenge—dinner! A delicious BBQ under the stars, followed by a lovely walk to the beach, set the perfect tone for the days to come.
The next morning kicked off with a Spanish lesson that not only improved vocabulary but also boosted confidence. After getting ready, the group embarked on a fascinating walking tour through El Puerto, guided by their amazing chaperone, who effortlessly blended language learning with cultural insights. They explored the iconic bullring, admired the stunning Prioral Church, and dove into the lively atmosphere of the local market, where they practiced their Spanish by buying fresh olives and fruit!
After a packed lunch, they climbed to the top of the town’s historic castle, soaking in breathtaking views while learning about Spain’s medieval past. The afternoon was spent soaking up the sun at the beach before heading back to Spark to prepare for a truly epic karaoke contest! The energy was electric as students belted out Spanish and English hits, competing for the title of “Karaoke Champion.” It was an unforgettable night filled with laughter!
Excitement was in the air as students set off early for a full day in Cádiz, one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal cities. After a quick ferry ride, they strolled through the historic Plaza del Ayuntamiento, marveled at the grandeur of the Cathedral, and took in the vibrant charm of Plaza de las Flores, surrounded by colorful flower stalls.
Walking along the lively Calle Ancha, lined with bars and shops, they got a real taste of Spanish city life.After a well-deserved packed lunch, the group dived into history at the Archaeological Museum, discovering ancient artifacts that told the story of Cádiz’s rich past. After some shopping, they enjoyed an authentic gastronomic market experience, sampling local delicacies and expanding their culinary vocabulary with every delicious bite!
Back in El Puerto, the students had their final “tapas” dinner at a restaurant before the farewell ceremony, where they shared their best memories and laughed over their favorite moments of the trip tasting traditional Spanish dishes.
The last morning was bittersweet. After a quick breakfast and final packing, it was time to say goodbye. The journey to Málaga airport was filled with reflections on the incredible experiences they had—new words learned, friendships made, and an unforgettable connection to Spanish culture.
We at Spark are beyond proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity, and positivity that Ellon Academy’s students brought to this adventure. Their willingness to embrace new experiences, challenge themselves linguistically, and immerse in the Spanish way of life was inspiring.
¡Hasta pronto, amigos! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another Spark experience!
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