Spanish exchange trip to Torrelavega
We were delighted to see the return of our Spanish Exchange trip, this academic year, with AS and A Level Spanish students spending a week in Torrelavega in January.
Torrelavega is a medium-sized town located in Cantabria in the north of Spain, half an hour from Santander. We are fortunate to partner with a similar institution, who share our views on the importance of maintaining strong exchange links. The ‘IES Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón’ is a 12-18 college with a similar number of students to OSFC.
The group traveled by plane from Manchester to Santander on 20th January, where on arrival the students were greeted by their host families. Students attended a range of lessons at the ‘instituto’, including Spanish and English. OSFC have established links with 2 nearby Spanish primary schools, CEIP Dobra and CEIP Los Torreones, which enabled the students to undertake a 2 day supervised work placement too. Throughout the trip students also had the opportunity to carry out effective research for their coursework projects.
The benefits of this type of visit to Cantabria cannot be overemphasised and our students undoubtedly find the experience very rewarding. From a linguistic point of view, the trip offers an excellent opportunity to practice their language skills and the students gain an invaluable insight into Spanish life and culture through daily close contact with a Spanish family.
We are proud of the relationship we have established with IES Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón and we look forward to welcoming the Spanish students to spend their week with us in Oldham from 16th March.
Course Leader for Spanish, Gemma Curto, is pleased to have been able to coordinate the exchange trip again this year:
It has been an amazing experience for the students. I witnessed the confidence and fluency of my students in Spanish grow as the trip developed. It will definitely help them towards their preparation for their exams. They also really enjoyed bonding with Spanish students, who have the same age and similar interests. Those friendships are worth developing.
The students involved really enjoyed the experience:
The exchange was an unforgettable experience that not only improved my Spanish and knowledge about Spain, but helped with my confidence. Furthermore, I have met some of the kindest people and I hope to return in the near future.
- Ellis
The exchange allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Spanish language and really helped me to progress with my Spanish using the language everyday to build on my skills learnt from studying at college. The trip allowed me to gain a glimpse of life in Spain and cemented my decision to return in the future.
- Rabia
My time during the Spanish exchange trip has been phenomenal. Traveling to Torrelavega has been unforgettable, it was great to experience new things. My time in Spain has allowed me to further improve my previous Spanish knowledge and has also given me an insight into Spanish culture and what it is like in Spain. I would highly recommend going!
- Aryaan
I think this trip has been a great opportunity to meet new people and learn the language. I 100% recommend taking part if you have the chance.
- Magdalena
This has been a great opportunity to experience Spanish culture. The Spanish families have been very welcoming and loving towards us and considers us as their own.
- Amir
