CCM Alicante Trip
A group of Second year students of Spanish, accompanied by four teachers, arrived safely on Sunday, 23 November, to begin their immersive cultural and language tour of Alicante. After settling in with their host families, the students looked forward to their first day of activities on a lovely day in Alicante.
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 1
After an early start we arrived in Alicante around lunchtime. Students were introduced to their host families and went back with them to see their home for the next week and have some lunch. We met once more at Plaza Luceros at 5pm for our guided tour of the city with Maria from Elcano. The red sky visible over the promenade was spectacular, along with the Christmas lights all around the city. Students returned to their host families at 7.30pm to have a well-earned rest before commencing immersive Spanish classes and a trek to Santa Barbara castle tomorrow evening. ¡Hasta mañana!
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 2
Students arrived bright and early for their first immersive language class at Elcano School in Alicante. Today’s active task involved surveying locals about the city and reporting back their findings in Spanish.
After lunch along the Explanada, and a quick visit to the beach, students enjoyed two fun activities. The first involved participating in a Latin dance workshop. For the second activity, they competed in a photo orienteering challenge and had to strike many interesting poses at various places around the historic centre.
We look forward to our day trip to Villajoyosa after class tomorrow.
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 3
In Spanish class today, students learned about traditional Spanish foods and ingredients. Many got to prepare their own tapas. To complement their learning, a trip to Alicante’s Central Market offered the chance to view, smell, touch, and taste authentic fare in person.
After lunch on the Explanada we took a day trip to the stunning seaside town of Villajoyosa. Along our guided tour there was plenty of time for taking photos and selfies amongst the colourful historic buildings and cobbled streets. Afterwards, some enjoyed playing sports on the beach, while others strolled along the Mediterranean boardwalk with an ice cream in hand soaking up the last of today’s sunshine.
To end this excursion, a trip to Valor chocolate factory and its famous chocolate shop encouraged students to spend some pocket money on presents for family and friends. We sincerely hope some of this chocolate finds its way back to Wicklow on Saturday! Students returned to Alicante to spend the evening with their host families. ¡Hasta pronto!
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 4
In school today, two groups of students made Spanish tapas from scratch. ¡Deliciosas!
After lunch on the Explanada, we took a short visit to the pier beside the port. We proceeded to the Town Hall to start our trek to the medieval Santa Bárbara castle which is perched on the cliff top overlooking the city and beyond.
On our way back from the castle we stopped off at the Museo del Agua (Water Museum) where students were able to enter the giant and ancient vats which were once used to store water for the dry summer season.
Afterwards, students returned to their host families for a well-earned rest before another fun packed day of cultural activities mañana.
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 5
In Thursday’s language class students learned about Spanish festivals and went on an excursion to the Hogueras Museum to view the beautiful artistic figures which are burned as part of the local Hogueras Festival.
Following lunch on the Explanada and a chill out on the beach, we made our way to the Plaza De Toros for a guided tour of the venue. Students returned to their host families to prepare for their final day of classes and graduation 🎓 🇪🇸
CCM Alicante Trip - Day 6
For their final day in Elcano Language School, students played some fun Spanish language games and ended their course with a graduation ceremony where all were presented with a certificate of attendance and participation.
We proceeded to Postiguet with its golden sandy beach where a celebratory pizza party was enjoyed followed by football beside the sea.
Afterwards we took a short trip by tram from Plaza de Luceros to the Plaza Mar shopping centre. Here students bought some presents for loved ones and enjoyed a little free time with friends before returning to their host families to pack and prepare for the return journey home.
Accompanying CCM teachers would like to commend this group for their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to try many new cultural experiences throughout our week in Alicante. They are a credit to their families and the wider CCM community.
¡Buenas noches y hasta pronto Alicante!