Five of our Level 2 Education and Early Years students recently took their learning to a new level… in fact a whole new country!
They visited Tenerife 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 travelling nanny, Lilian, 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 and leading a physical activity for a group of Year 6 children.
Lilian commented: “My favourite part of this trip has been my placement at CEIP San Antonio Primary School, seeing the difference between Spanish schools and English schools has been really insightful. Trying to communicate with such a big language barrier was a challenge at first but I soon realised that a translator app would really help. Leading an activity for children I wasn’t able to communicate very well with was really interesting.
“Since being on this trip, I have realised how much I like working in new places. This trip has given me the confidence to apply to work in a summer camp in America.”
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.
Spending her 17th birthday here, Molly, felt 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 helped me to improve my communication skills with both my friends and also my teachers.
“I have enjoyed heading to Lora Parque, particularly seeing that the animals had large well-maintained enclosures. Another highlight was when we made sensory bags with adults with disabilities at the local health care facility, seeing how happy and appreciative they were, was really nice.”
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. 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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