What an amazing time we have had with the girls from Harpeth Hall School so far! We have seen and done so many fun activities and excursions in and around El Puerto de Santa Maria, the castles and cathedrals we have seen were amazingly beautiful and we learnt a lot about the history of Spain in them as well! We’ve even learnt a little Spanish too! It’s amazing how only 8 girls can bring so much fun and laughter to Spark! Everyone from me, to Inge, to our English teachers, to the people of El Puerto de Santa Maria have had the pleasure of getting to know these girls, and what fun that has been!

From the moment the girls arrived in Spain, they have been immersed into everything amazing about Spanish culture and the Spanish way of life! The girls have had wonderful experiences with their homestay families, for example, Kendal went to Caceres to meet the relatives of her homestay family! This isn’t the only way that our homestay families have shown how Spaniards live. The homestay families of Aidan and Caroline went to Cadiz to see the beginning of Carnival and experience “La Eriza”; one of the most traditional Gaditan celebrations! Our homestay families have been amazing and so welcoming to all the girls, and for that we are truly grateful!

We at Spark have had the pleasure of integrating these girls into every aspect Spark Languages offer. Lots of the homestay families the girls stayed with have sons or daughters who actually study English at Spark, so not only have the girls been able to learn Spanish, but they’ve also been able to help our English students with their English and practice their Spanish at the same time!

It has been lots of fun leading these girls and I look forward to events to come!

Ceci

Here are some comments of what the girls thought about their experience at Spark;

“My time here in Spain has been amazing! I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had here. I went from barely speaking in Spanish – simple ‘holas and adioses’ – to my teachers constantly telling me to be quiet! A favourite memory from my time here at Spark was the flamenco dance classes. I loved learning something so unique to the Spanish culture. I was even able to take what I learned home and show my host family! My host sister gladly joined in as my partner and we did all four of the flamenco dances. Although I was a little upset that I never got to try on a flamenco dress, I still enjoyed every minute of class time. In addition to dance classes, I enjoyed our daily excursions to surrounding cities and ports. I was able to connect historical references to sights and draw connections to what we learnt about in our Spanish classes. I am so thankful that I have been able to embark on this great journey – it is the experience of a lifetime that I will remember forever.” Caroline Grace Williams

“The excursions that we had during the day were amazing. This year I am studying Art History so we study many architectural sights which include some of those that we have seen in Spain. My favourite was the mosque in Córdoba. The Islamic/Christian mix that we learnt in the pages of our text book came alive in front of us. It was beautiful and I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate it as well as I could if I had not taken the class and been immersed in Spain.” Delana Alviri

“My favourite memory while I was in Spain was with my homestay family. They took me out to lunch to meet the rest of the family. They were so nice to me and welcomed me with open arms. The love in the room was indescribable and the food was delicious! This evening that I spent with the family was a time I will never forget!” Liza Martin