Our Spanish Language & Culture school/university trip takes students through Madrid and Barcelona with authentic cultural experiences and language lessons. Here’s our Spanish Language & Culture educational tour program at a glance:
- Day 2 in Madrid: civil war-themed city tour, Spanish lesson, Teatro Español
- Day 3: bullring, flamenco class
- Day 4: El Escorial, Valle de los Caídos, Reina Sofía
- Day 5 in Barcelona: Spanish lesson, city walking tour, Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Pedrera night light show
- Day 6: Catalan separatist movement talk, Spanish lesson, Spanish presentation
Day 2: Getting into the Rhythm
Get ready to soak up some history on your first full day in Spain. Embark on a civil war-themed city tour taking you around the capital’s must-sees: the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de los Cibeles and many more.
Once you’ve been inspired by Madrid’s sights, get engaged with the first Spanish lesson of the trip.
Test your Spanish listening skills as you watch a play at Teatro Español.
Day 3: Flamenco Dancing
Start the day bright and early with a visit to a bullring to learn more about Spain’s bullfighting tradition – but don’t worry, you won’t be watching a bullfight!
Immerse yourself in a flamenco class, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the history of this famous dancing style.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas for dinner.
Day 4: Brush up on Spain’s Royalty
Take a day trip to El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredibly rich history. It was the residence of the King of Spain and was both a monastery and a palace. Marvel at the impressive architecture and interior design, before taking a tour of the nearby Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen), where Franco was buried. Learn about the controversy surrounding Franco, the dictator that ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975.
After dinner, go to the Reina Sofía to stand before Picasso’s most famous painting, Guernica. It was a big political statement, named after the town that the Nazis bombed during the Spanish Civil War.
Day 5: Gaudí’s Genius
Time to hit Barcelona! Take a minute to admire the indoor forest in Madrid’s Atocha station before heading on and checking into your new accommodation.
Once you’ve settled in, take a second Spanish lesson in the afternoon, followed by a short walking tour of the city. Marvel at the modernist architecture. Admire Gaudí’s iconic chameleon in Park Güell as well as the huge Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Roman Catholic church, a unique vision masterminded by Antoni Gaudí. Originally, another architect was in charge, but when Gaudí took over, he changed the project and would even modify things after construction to completely match his vision.
Debate over which of Gaudí’s works are most impressive as you visit Pedrera. Take an evening to appreciate the modernist structure whilst watching a night light show.
Day 6: Check the Political Climate
Hear from a journalist or CUP member on the Catalan separatist movement. The movement fights for the independence of Catalonia from Spain – encourage your students to listen up and ask questions. It’s their chance to get a real feel for the political climate.
Put your Spanish speaking skills to the test. After one final afternoon lesson, give a presentation (in Spanish) about your experiences on the trip.
It’s your last night, so treat yourself to a traditional dish of Barcelona. You can’t go wrong with a seafood paella!