Erasmus+ Study Trip to Córdoba, Spain 27-31 March 2017
In the early hours of Monday 27th March, six students and two teachers met in Belfast to begin our long journey to the beautiful city of Córdoba, in the south of Spain! The purpose of our adventure was to participate in the first of four Erasmus+ funded study conferences, with three European partner schools (from Liège in Belgium, Girona in Cataluña and Córdoba in Andalucía, Spain.)
After a smooth journey, the group from Wallace arrived around lunchtime to our destination. Everyone immediately had the opportunity to put their Spanish skills to the test when ordering from a huge range of stalls in a local food market for lunch! Commendably, the students really threw themselves into the experience and all returned to the table with a range of delicious Spanish treats. On arriving at the Zalima Institute (our host school) we were welcomed by Elena, the Vice Principal, with the agenda for the rest of the week being outlined. The students were then introduced to their Spanish partners with whom they would be staying with for the next four nights. While the Wallace students were understandably a little nervous, they again showed their enthusiasm and willingness to make the most of this unique opportunity. They mixed well not only with their new Spanish friends but also with the students who had travelled from Belgium and from Cataluña to participate in the conference as well.
The visiting students joined together every morning at 8am for an hour to participate in activities organised by the Zalima Institute’s English Language assistant, aimed at encouraging them to get to know each other better and also to learn about each other’s countries and regions. Each day continued with presentations from Zalima students on created iPad related projects with visiting students subsequently participating in these activities (including an interactive game and a guided tour of the main tourist and historical sites of Córdoba!) Over the course of the week each of the visiting schools in turn presented their experiences of how the iPad was used in their language learning classes while the teachers took note of the new apps that were presented by each school. After each demanding day in school, the Wallace students headed off with their hosts to do some deserved sight seeing and shopping therapy before returning to their partner’s homes to spend the evening with their Spanish families.
The value of such a trip is immeasurable but may be summed up in the words of one Wallace participator:
“I most enjoyed the weather and the experience of meeting new people as well as pushing my comfort zone! I learned a lot about the Spanish/Córdoban culture, especially the beautiful dancing and delicious food but importantly I also learned new vocabulary. This experience really helped to develop my knowledge of the Spanish language, in both speaking and listening which helps for my exams!”
Senior teacher and group leader Pam Brown expressed:
“This unique learning and resource sharing experience would not have been possible without the funding offered by the Erasmus+ programme! We are looking forward to our next study visit to Girona in Cataluña which will take place from the 8th to the 12th April. Eight pupils from years 10 and 11 will have the opportunity to experience the Spanish way of life and develop their knowledge and skills with using digital technology as a learning tool.”
Last modified: April 25, 2017
