Each year, students from The Kinkaid School set out on a remarkable adventure during the annual Spain Interim Term trip, an immersive program designed to enhance language skills and deepen cultural understanding.
Led by Spanish teacher Mr. José Narbona, the trip offers students a unique opportunity to live, learn, and experience Spain in a way that goes far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
“The main goal is the opportunity for our students to completely immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture through both formal classes and everyday interactions with their host families,” Mr. Narbona said. “The planned cultural highlights, like the tapas tasting, Flamenco show, and hands-on cooking class, are also unique, experiential learning moments. I’m happy our students have the chance to embrace Spanish traditions so personally.”
The trip begins in Madrid, where students explore the vibrant capital before heading to Seville, where they stay with Spanish host families and attend daily language classes. Along the way, they embark on guided excursions to some of Spain’s most historic and culturally rich cities, including Toledo, Córdoba, and Granada, before wrapping up their journey back in Madrid.
“These locations have been carefully selected to give our students a rich and varied glimpse into Spanish history, architecture, and lifestyle,” Mr. Narbona explained. “The students stand to gain immensely from this trip on multiple fronts. Apart from the evident language proficiency that comes from interacting with Spanish-speaking families and attending language and culture classes, they will also gain a wealth of knowledge about Spanish history, architecture, art, and traditions.”
The students learned how to appreciate and respect cultural differences, develop global perspectives, and acquire life skills that aim to equip them better in their future pursuits.
Beyond the classroom, the students experienced Spain through cultural activities. The program is designed to encourage direct engagement with Spanish traditions, such as attending Flamenco performances, learning to cook authentic Spanish dishes, and sampling regional delicacies like tapas.
For sophomore Jaykob Davis, the experience was unforgettable.
“Going on the trip was one of the best experiences of my life as I was able to connect with my friends and visit new places all while learning about the history of Spain,” Davis shared.
While the trip can be filled with exciting and enriching experiences, it also comes with challenges that help students grow.
“One of the main challenges we anticipated was ensuring students adapted well to their host families and the cultural differences in Spain,” Mr. Narbona said. “To prepare, we held pre-departure meetings covering Spanish customs, daily routines, and communication strategies. Safety and logistics were also a priority, so we established clear emergency protocols and provided students with local contacts.”
Since navigating a new city can be overwhelming, guided tours were organized to make students feel more comfortable. Language barriers were another concern, so students were encouraged to practice basic Spanish phrases before departure.
To ensure an engaging academic experience, local instructors worked with Kinkaid students to create interactive lessons tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, managing group dynamics while traveling required setting clear expectations for behavior and responsibility.
“Overall, careful planning and open communication helped ensure a smooth and enriching experience for everyone,” Mr. Narbona said.
