Imagine strolling down a bustling street in Spain, the sounds of a vibrant new language all around you, and a world of unfamiliar customs at your fingertips. For students considering this trip, given they have met the requirements, and for those on the waitlist, it’s much more than a vacation—it’s an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and truly engage with Spanish culture.
From navigating city streets with friends to living with a local family, this immersive experience pushes students to apply everything they’ve learned in the classroom and challenges them to grow in ways they never expected. Whether speaking Spanish in everyday situations or adjusting to Spain’s unique rhythms, this trip offers lessons that go far beyond textbooks. For those willing to take the leap, it’s a journey of independence, cultural exploration, and personal discovery that will stay with them for years to come.
Destinations
The excursion is a 15-day guided tour in Madrid, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Valencia, and Cuenca across central and southern Spain. Find more information here with the official itinerary:
← “Official itinerary for the 2025 Spain Trip, detailing the 15-day language immersion and cultural exploration across central and southern Spain.”
The Family Stay
Aside from staying with teachers and other students, students attending will have the experience of spending five days in Valencia with a host family. These five days provide not only language practice but also foster personal connections and cultural insights that students may carry with them long after their time in Spain.
“Spending time with a host family means you’re in their world, where you’re forced to speak their language and adopt their cultural customs” 2024 Orono High School graduate Domenick Cline said regarding his experience on the 2023 Chile/Argentina trip.
The host family experience can be both challenging and rewarding, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the opportunity for growth and learning. Lori Wooley has been on many trips across Spanish-speaking countries throughout her career.
“While we put so much effort into the first week, it’s really the second week when they have a growing experience and enjoy the culture because they’re living with a family,” Wooley said.
The connections between students and their host families can last beyond the week-long stay.
“Most students still connect with their families afterward. Some (students) present in my classroom and say they still chat with their host families via Snapchat, Instagram, or even visit again. The families aren’t in it for money; they open their homes so their children have a connection to somewhere across the world,” Wooley said.
Tips to Prepare Before Traveling
For those selected, the trip will be easier to adapt to, but it still won’t be without its challenges. Students planning to attend should prepare to speak as much Spanish as possible with teachers, and every interaction with locals, shopkeepers, restaurants, etc.
Teachers do expect students to speak Spanish, but they are not expecting them to be fluent yet.
“Our ideal destination has very few English speakers. We want students to struggle through speaking opportunities. We don’t accept English unless we see blood, vomit, or tears. If students talk to us in English, we tell them to figure out how to say it in Spanish,” Spanish teacher Robert Smalling said.
Mr. Smalling is the chief planner for this 15-day excursion, and while there will be required information meetings for those going and even in-class-learning about different Hispanic cultures (in Mr. Smalling’s classes), he recommends researching Spanish customs and culture so then students are ahead of the trip.
It is also useful to have an outlet adapter for traveling to Spain such as the type C plug (also known as the “Europlug”) according to Netio Products, a Czech company that produces PDUs (Power Distribution Units), smart power strips and power cables, that can be controlled over Local Area Networks and WiFi.
←“A close-up shot of a type C Europlug adapter. Taken from newegg.com”
It is essential to notify your bank before traveling internationally to avoid any issues when using your debit or credit card abroad. Most banks and financial institutions closely monitor card activity to prevent fraud. If they detect transactions in a foreign country without prior notice, they might assume your card has been compromised and block it for security reasons.
By informing your bank of your travel dates and destinations, you can ensure uninterrupted access to your funds and avoid the hassle of having your card declined while abroad. Additionally, it’s worth asking about any foreign transaction fees or exchange rates, as these can impact your spending.
Unique Experiences
While visiting Spain, there are other possible things to see outside the planned itinerary.
“We’ve had some impromptu soccer matches with locals. It happened in Costa Rica, Panama, and maybe one other place,” Mr. Smalling said.
In addition to potential events, the trip also fosters personal growth. Xperitas, based in St. Louis Park, has become the go-to company for Orono High School when organizing trips abroad due to its reputation for providing exceptional language and cultural immersion experiences.
According to Xperitas, their programs help students expand their cultural awareness and build connections with global communities. Examples from Xperitas are that it “gives awareness of different perspectives” and a “sense of increased independence, self-sufficiency, and cultural competence.”
Cost
The cost of the trip is $4,974 plus personal expenses of souvenirs and some meals. For more information and to pay for the excursion, it is on the Xperitas Guest Portal.