The Northern Coast: After flying into Madrid, the group travels north by train to the coast to stay in a colorful fishing village in provincial Asturias for four days. Students participate in conversational Spanish exercises specifically designed to help them speak more easily with local people. Spanish language learning occurs while ordering a typical Spanish dish like tortilla española at a local restaurant, seeing first-hand some of the pre-Romanesque architecture of Asturias, or asking directions in Spanish at the Oficina de Turismo as part of an informal language activity. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to learn about an aspect of Spanish life that they are interested in including local customs, Spanish cuisine, the role of religion in modern day Spain, architecture, impressions of Americans abroad, or local government and politics. There are opportunities to swim, kayak, explore nearby towns, or throw a frisbee on the beach with new Spanish friends.

Picos de Europa: From the coast, students travel to the snow-capped mountains of the Picos de Europa for four days of outdoor exploration. They stay at a family-run inn in a small village tucked into a beautiful mountain valley. The focus of this stay is hiking and the outdoors: students hike mountain trails past waterfalls, shepherds’ huts, and herds of wild goats, through passes to fields of summer snow. They can play a game of fútbol with Spaniards, talk with a local cheese maker about making Cabrales cheese, and enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular mountain views.

Madrid and Family Living: The group then travels to Madrid for five days, where they explore the boulevards and cafés, the Thieves Market, the Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofía art collections, bullfights, and restaurants. They take day trips to Segovia to see its Roman aqueduct, built in 80 B.C., and to Toledo, home of El Greco, to visit the Alcázar, the cathedral, and the ancient synagogue. Then each student experiences Spanish culture by living for seven days with a family in a lively and historic town. This is an opportunity to enjoy Spanish life as it is really lived and to form lasting friendships. Practice Spanish while helping with household chores and exploring the town with Spanish brothers and sisters. Both leaders remain in the same town as the students during the homestay.

Granada and the Alpujarras: Next, students travel south to spend four days in the heart of historic Granada. Visit La Alhambra, try gazpacho, and learn to dance flamenco in the Sacromonte, the old gypsy quarter. From Granada, the group travels high into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Alpujarras, a string of ancient villages built by Moors fleeing the Christian Reconquest in the 15th century. The focus of these three days is outdoor adventure. Hike to the top of magnificent Mulhacén, the Iberian Peninsula’s highest peak, ride on horseback over alpine hillsides, explore the winding streets, and taste the regional jamón serrano.

The Costa del Sol: The program ends with three days on the Mediterranean amidst the whitewashed buildings of Spain’s southern coast. Swim, windsurf, boat, and enjoy paella picnics on the beach. Experience the cafés, street theatre, music, and dancing on the paseo along the sea.

Participation is limited to students currently studying Spanish in school. 10th through 12th graders must have completed two or more years, 8th and 9th graders at least one year. Students are required to speak Spanish while in Spain and must sign a pledge that they will do so.