In March, three Level 2 Education and Early Years and four Level 2 Health and Social Care students took their learning to a level… in fact a whole new country!
They visited Tenerife in Spain to learn more about the Spanish culture, complete international work placements and grow their independence skills.
The thrilling two-week trip saw the students complete Spanish lessons and an immersive five-day placement in local childcare facilities. They also had the chance to explore the tropical island in their free time.
Hoping to broaden their understanding of how other cultures plan and deliver education and run health care facilities, the students headed into their placements with positive attitudes. Although nervous, they took every challenge in their stride and used creativity, and lots of non-verbal communication, to ensure the young Spanish pupils understood them.
During their placements, the students were tasked with leading on certain activities with the children, using their newly learnt Spanish to help them communicate. Eager to make a good impression, the learners utilised the skills they learnt while on their course at College to engage the children with their learning.
Aspiring nursery assistant, Kataya, thrived during her placement at a local primary school. During her placement, she worked with a variety of year groups helping them during their English lessons.
Kayata commented: “My placement at home is at a nursery, so this has been a nice change. Although the language barrier can make things difficult, I have really enjoyed helping the children. Google translate is my new best friend!
“Since being on this trip, I have learnt a little bit of the Spanish language, and much more about the culture.”
Communication was a key word throughout the trip. Not only did the learners have to be adaptive during their placements, but they also had to develop their personal skills throughout the trip. It was a fantastic opportunity to grow as individuals and young adults.
For health and social care student, Hannah, the trip was as great opportunity to prove to herself that she could be independent and manage her own schedule. She said: “This trip has shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to, I would love to travel, and this has shown that I am capable of that.
“I have enjoyed exploring Tenerife and going on little walks, I was able to navigate back to the hotel all by myself and was able to take a beautiful photo of the sea.”
When not at placement the learners had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful island. Visiting local tourist attractions, shopping in local markets and enjoying the unique, black sand beaches.
A firm favourite attraction was the visit to Siam Water Park, with the thrill seekers having a go on ‘The Tower of Power’, a 28-metre-high vertical free water slide where riders reach speeds of 50 mph, passing through a shark-filled aquarium!
The students also enjoyed a trip to Lora Parque a local zoo. Where they explored the zoo in small groups, meeting up for the impressive displays from the animals. A particular highlight was the parrot show in which ‘Bruce’ the parrot completed a puzzle of the Canary Islands.
The trip was planned as part of the Turing Scheme and funded by the Department for Education. The skills learnt on this trip will stay with the learners for life. Experiences like this help our students to widen their perspectives, build confidence and developed a better understanding of the world around them.
Swipe through to see our trip highlights
Do you want to learn in another country?
We run various life-changing international trips for our students, sign up to our next Open Day to find out more.
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