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Over a period of almost six days, upper-level Spanish students from Kaisers-lautern American High School had the chance to experience Spanish culture during a recent study trip to Madrid, Spain. The trip, from Feb. 12 to Feb. 17, required the nine high school students to use their understanding of the Spanish language, which they had all been studying for several years as part of their Department of Defense Dependents Schools curriculum.
The Spanish V/VI and Spanish Advanced Placement students planned the trip and spent several weeks prior to the event researching every aspect of Madrid, including the city’s metro system that would be used as the main source of
transportation to all the sites and attractions.
As part of the experience, each pair of students was assigned a particular day of the trip to define its itinerary, including transportation to and from points of interest, ticket reservations for each event and meal arrangements. Additionally, the Spanish 4 students were required to research topics in Spanish tradition and to present their findings to the class so that the students gained a familiarity with the culture of Spain prior to their visit.
During the trip, the group visited several of Spain’s most famous landmarks, including the El Palacio Real, the largest palace in all of Europe, and El Rastro, an outdoor flea market stretching for miles through downtown Madrid. One day was also spent in the historical city of Toledo. Along the way, the students were also required to visit several museums, including El Prado and El Museo de Arte Reina Sofia, both containing works of art by Goya, Velásquez, Dalí and even Picasso.
The trip, however, was not entirely spent visiting museums and monuments. When time allowed, the students were able to find a bit of entertainment and relaxation to provide relief from the hectic pace of study. For example, the students were pleased they were able taste some local paella (a rice dish) and have dinner at the Madrid Hard Rock Cafe, do a little shopping, and satisfy their sweet tooth at the local Dunkin’ Donuts.
The trip was a tremendous success for both the students and their chaperones. Everyone had a wonderful, safe experience in Madrid. The class returned to Germany with new Spanish terms and historical information about Spain as well as many memories with friends that will not soon be forgotten.
The students wish to especially thank Paola Berdecio-Tryon, KHS Spanish teacher, for the counseling and guidance that made this event such an enjoyable experience.
