Perse students gain work experience Spanish style

Perse Spanish students enjoyed an immersive language learning experience during their trip to Cantabria.

To enrich their A level studies, the group took part in work placements in a pharmacy, café and school each morning during their five-day stay.

Some afternoons were spent visiting local schools to better understand the Spanish education system and interact with students of a similar age. As part of the school partnerships, they were given the opportunity to visit Santander and have a guided tour from the local students.

The group also enjoyed sightseeing around the Altamira caves, Santillana del Mar and the Capricho de Gaudí, as well as strolling around Comillas, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying churros in the sunshine.

Perse modern foreign languages teacher Hannah Bolton, who led the excursion, said: “The trip was an excellent opportunity for students to interact with Spanish people and learn about the language, local customs and culture.

“It was a steep learning curve having to interact in Spanish and deal with customers from day one. However, there is no better way to fully immerse oneself in a different culture and language than working abroad. I am certain that the students learned a lot from the experience.”