This February break, Pelham students traveled across the pond to practice their Spanish speaking skills in Spain, the first time Pelham has done this since before the pandemic. Because Spanish is the largest language department at Pelham, the trip’s roster filled up quickly when students applied to the trip last school year, with 5 juniors and 19 seniors ending up attending the trip. The goal at Pelham is to give everyone the opportunity to go abroad at some point throughout their high school career. Abroad trips at Pelham historically take place biennially with senior and junior priority.
Spanish teacher Sra. Calvelli was the head chaperone of the trip, and in collaboration with the travel company Pelham has used in the past, ACIS (American Council for International Studies), she played a large role in planning the itinerary.
Students were able to immerse themselves linguistically and culturally while visiting Spanish cities Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona (in order). Students visited the art museums Prado and The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, catching sight of works by Picaso and Valesquez, and famous Spanish Gothic cathedrals, such as La Sagrada familia while simultaneously practicing their Spanish,
“They used it as much as possible,” Calvelli remarked, “they had to converse with shopkeepers and people in the hotel and people on the subway,”.
Social studies teacher chaperone Mr. Ferreri and Sra. Calvelli both recalled the Flamenco lessons students had the opportunity to take as one of their favorite parts of the trip.
“I actually got quite emotional,” Calvelli reflected,“the Flamenco is something so purely Spanish, looking at these kids from the United States volunteering to be on stage really getting into it, having fun and being risk-takers,” she continues “I saw them totally immersed in the culture.”
