This month a group of our Lower Sixth A Level Spanish students travelled to Alicante, Spain, for an unforgettable week of work experience and cultural immersion.

Flying out from Liverpool Airport, the students began a unique opportunity to develop their language skills, gain valuable work experience, and deepen their understanding of Spanish life. The placements were as varied as they were enriching.  Students worked in hotel receptions, indoor climbing centres, food banks (even learning to operate a forklift!), restaurants, nurseries, and a pharmacy.

Throughout the week, students were challenged to navigate local transport, manage their own working hours, and communicate confidently with Spanish-speaking colleagues and members of the public. As the days went by, their independence and fluency flourished, and their confidence in using everyday Spanish grew significantly.

Outside of work, students explored the city, from relaxing on the beach to hiking up to the Santa Bárbara Castle and witnessing the preparations for Alicante’s vibrant summer festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan. Every evening, the group came together to enjoy a shared meal, sampling a delicious range of Spanish tapas and Mexican cuisine.

The weather was beautifully sunny, the city welcoming, and the experience one that all students will remember for years to come. A huge thank you to Blue Stamp Travel for organising the trip, and to our fantastic local guide, Jonathan, for his support throughout.

This was more than just a trip, it was a week of growth, challenge and discovery. See you next year, Alicante!

Find out more about studying A Level Spanish at Carmel College.