A dozen Shaler Area students traveled to Spain this summer to experience the culture and language in the District’s first trip to the country.

From June 22 to July 2, Shaler Area students explored Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid and Barcelona. They saw flamenco dances, visited an olive farm, toured museums, parks and churches, and even swam in the Mediterranean Sea.

Students experienced everyday Spanish culture, tasted authentic foods and conversed with Spanish locals.

“My goal for the trip was to really get students excited about using Spanish and also to make connections with Spanish culture,” said High School Spanish teacher Rachel Anton, who organized the trip.

“I wanted to broaden their minds and perhaps encourage them to pursue travel later in life, work internationally, or even just appreciate the importance of learning another language and become global citizens.”

Ms. Anton said she is looking forward to incorporating more spoken Spanish in the classroom and building on the students’ excitement for Spanish culture as a result of their experience.