El fin

WHAT. A. SUMMER. The students, instructors, and host families of the IUHPFL 2022 program in Ciudad Real have wrapped up their time together in Spain, and what an amazing experience it was! From excursions to Toledo, Córdoba, and Granada, to learning a dance with a local group of people with disabilities, to creating incredible friendships with other students, to extending our families to those that took us in in Ciudad Real, we couldn’t have asked for a better summer together. And talk about growth! From the first moment the students landed in Spain, their Spanish was timid and inaudible, but that quickly changed once they settled into their lifestyles in Ciudad Real and spent more time with their families. Students were laughing together, learning about one another, and expressing a wide variety of emotions in the target language, and it was such a joy to watch. The instructors thoroughly enjoyed this group of students, as well. Students learned many ways to improve their Spanish while taking classes at Nuestra Señora del Prado Marianistas. For a final project in their literature and culture class, students worked together to design a creative work that reflected topics discussed in class. These projects ranged from original works of art to a page from the diary of Franco to a rap about Don Quijote! In the end, it was extremely difficult for students to say goodbye to their host families. There were many tears, but we know that this won’t be the last time they see each other. Thanks to everyone for an AMAZING summer!