Students and chaperones from Lincoln Academy in Toledo, Spain during their April vacation trip. This was the first LA Spain trip since 2019.
During the recent April Vacation group of 30 Lincoln Academy students traveled to Salamanca, Spain for the first time since 2019. World Languages teachers Alison Hanley and Lyn Bass along with 27 students left school April 13 to spend 10 days on a language immersion trip, similar to past trips to Salamanca before the pandemic.
Upon arrival in Spain, students were met by their host families in groups of two and sent to different houses throughout the city. “Salamanca is a great student-centered city with one of the oldest universities in the world dating back to the 12th century, which makes it a great place to bring students,” said Hanley.
“The trip ran surprisingly smoothly considering the number of people, and it was a very cool experience being immersed in such a new environment! ” said junior Nick Russ.
Throughout the week, the group went on three full day excursions to Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia as well as attending 12 hours of language classes in a Spanish language school. After classes, there was time to explore the city and see the cathedral, university and other museums, as well as take free time to explore and practice Spanish in shops and restaurants. Evenings were spent at home with the families and other international host students. One evening the group even had an hour long salsa dance lesson.
“Going to Spain was an incredible experience,” said senior Liam Card. “It was definitely challenging at first speaking Spanish with our host family, guide, and teacher. As the week went on, it became easier, and I think that students began to have a better time adjusting to the culture. By the end of the week, all of the students were mostly immersed in Spanish culture. It was truly a once and a lifetime experience.”
“It was a really awesome experience,” said junior Maddy Kallin. “I learned a lot and had fun experiencing a new culture that was so different from that of small town Maine.”
“Despite long travel days there and back, the LA students did a great job representing our community by being curious, respectful, punctual, and inquisitive,” said Hanley. “All and all it was a great trip!”
