Rockland–Penobscot Bay Language School recently led a language immersion travel program in conjunction with their sister school Instituto Picasso in Málaga, Spain. Eight adult students participated in the trip from September 21 – October 5, 2024. The two week program included ten days of Spanish classes, from 9 AM – 1 PM at the language institute, located at the old town square named Plaza de la Merced in the historic city center of Spain’s oldest Mediterranean port.
From the plaza, sights of a nine hundred year old Moorish fortress (Alcazaba) and castle (Gibralfaro), remnants of a Roman amphitheater dating back to to the 1st Century AD; and the birth house of Pablo Picasso, are all mere meters from the front door of Instituto Picasso–namesake of the infamous artist. Instituto Picasso has been offering Spanish language classes spanning five decades at the historic city center location.
Students’ ages, experiences, and abilities varied, which only added to the amazing trip. With the youngest traveler at 18 years old and the oldest at 81, the trip was truly for all ages. Group meals, whether at restaurants or prepared at “home” (shared apartments with other PBLS students), everyone enjoyed the great food, atmosphere, and good company–not to mention the language classes. Students are placed in their appropriate level from very beginner to advanced levels. “I loved being in a class with students from Germany, Morocco, Sweden, Holland and more. I had never studied Spanish before. The two week immersion jump started my speaking Spanish. It was a thrill” (David Dye, age 74).
With all out-of-class activities optional, travelers were free to explore the local area including museums, shops, restaurants, people watching, centuries of historic sights, and the cafe lifestyle on the plaza. The group dynamic had an ebb and flow that helped to create a sense of security in both spending time together as well as being comfortable to explore by one’s self.
With such enthusiastic feedback, and many students interested in participating again, Penobscot Bay Language School has added an additional two week trip to their immersion travel program scheduled to depart January 18, 2025. Contact PBLS at (207) 594-1084 or email info@penobscot.us for details about upcoming trips to Malaga, Spain, Biarritz and Bordeaux, France, as well as the once in a lifetime trip this March to Patagonia, Chile/Argentina.
