From November 10th to 13th, I had the privilege of accompanying Mrs. Hallett and a group of ten enthusiastic Year 12 and Year 13 students of Mougins British International School on a cultural and educational trip to Madrid. The journey proved to be an unforgettable opportunity to combine language learning with firsthand experience of Spanish history, art, and daily life.

A memorable trip

One of the highlights of the trip was our day spent visiting the Universidad Internacional de Madrid, where we were warmly welcomed by staff and students across their campuses in both Segovia and Madrid. Our students had the chance to meet professors and fellow learners, gaining valuable insight into Spanish academic life and future study opportunities.

Sophie R shared, “The trip to Madrid was incredible! We visited museums with paintings we had studied in class… We also had the chance to visit IE University, where we took part in a workshop with one of the professors. It was such a fun and insightful experience learning about real business decisions and getting a glimpse of what life beyond Mougins School is like.”

The exploration of Spanish art and culture continued with a guided visit to the Museo del Prado. The group was deeply impressed by masterpieces from Velázquez and Goya, which offered a vivid introduction to the artistic brilliance of the 16th to 18th centuries. Marguerite reflected, “The visit to the Palacio Real was unforgettable and the Prado museum was very interesting to visit to see how Spanish art evolved over centuries. Overall, the trip made me a lot more confident in my ability of speaking Spanish, the locals’ willingness to help me improve my speaking was nice and insightful.” Aleen added, “We’ve been able to immerse ourselves in Spanish culture with guided tours of the Palacio Real and the Museo del Prado… It’s been a really great experience to see the city and experience Spanish culture, history and art!”

Equally inspiring was our guided tour of the Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe, boasting an astonishing 3,418 rooms and covering more than 135,000 square meters. Sophie A. said, “Having the opportunity to go to Madrid despite not being a Spanish student was an incredible experience… We took part in a masterclass with an experienced professor who taught us about the world of business. I feel very lucky and grateful to Carmen!”

Another unforgettable moment came at the Museo Reina Sofía, where we stood before Picasso’s Guernica. Students were not only able to admire this monumental work, but also reflect on its powerful message and historical significance. Ailyn noted, “The trip to Madrid was truly an experience! We spent our days visiting what life in the city could be like… I truly appreciate the visit to IE University and what life as a student abroad could be!”

Beyond museums, we also savored Madrid’s traditions. Tasting the famous chocolate con churros at the city’s most iconic 24-hour churrería was a delight. Walking through neighborhoods such as El Barrio de las Letras, passing the Cortes, and relaxing in the Retiro Park allowed us to discover Madrid’s charm from different perspectives. Kiera shared, “It was great to talk to new people from school and immerse myself in Madrid culture.” Oliver added, “It was very well organized, and the activities were a lot of fun. El Palacio Real and the churros were definitely the highlights of the experience! 😉 Thanks again to Carmen for doing such a great job and to Fabienne for helping out.” Lev summed it up perfectly: “The trip was amazing! Everything was so well organized and we had such a great time.”

This trip was much more than sightseeing; it was a chance to learn in a new, immersive way. Our students returned inspired, with improved language skills and a deeper appreciation of Spanish culture.

Gracias Madrid!

 

Carmen Burgues
Spanish Teacher