Living the Language: Year 12 students immerse themselves in Spanish life and work experience

Ten Year 12 students travelled to Cantabria in northern Spain for an immersive Spanish work experience programme, based in the beautiful coastal town of Comillas.

The trip provided a unique opportunity for students to experience daily life in a rural part of Spain while putting their language skills into practice in authentic, real-world settings. Working in placements they had selected themselves, students gained invaluable experience across a range of organisations, including restaurants, gastrobars, local schools, a radio station, the renowned Gaudí museum El Capricho, and the hotel where they were staying.

Throughout their time in Spain, students embraced every aspect of the experience, developing their fluency, cultural understanding and confidence in speaking Spanish. Living and working in an environment where English is rarely spoken encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones and rely on their language skills in everyday situations, from workplace conversations to navigating daily life.

Among the many highlights of the trip were a live radio interview hosted by students and an impressive, guided tour delivered entirely in Spanish. Their knowledge, confidence and communication skills left audiences genuinely astonished and demonstrated just how much they had achieved through the experience.

For many students, the visit proved highly motivating and transformational, opening their eyes to new academic and cultural horizons. Beyond language development, the trip provided a rich insight into the culture and lifestyle of northern Spain. Students were able to immerse themselves fully in local customs, traditions and ways of life, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region and its communities.

We are incredibly proud of how our students represented both themselves and our school throughout the visit. Their positivity, resilience, teamwork and open-mindedness were evident at every stage. Whether trying unfamiliar foods, tackling new vocabulary or adapting to different cultural experiences, they approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity.

The Cantabria work experience programme is significant milestone in their Spanish studies, creating lasting memories and further strengthening their passion for the language and culture. It was an outstanding experience that showcased the value of language learning beyond the classroom and the transformative impact of cultural immersion.