IB Youth – La Janda Program

Students will experience full Spanish immersion, staying with host families who they will share meals and family time with. They will be taken on a journey of Spanish history, culture and traditions with coordinated activities and workshops. A specialist educator and CAS facilitator with more than 20 years experience in International Schools will be the point of contact mentor for the students and will guide them in their learning reflections.

Vejer is a small friendly and safe town with many local traditions which have been maintained. Students will participate in culinary workshops with the Galindo family who run the language school, assisting the students in the preparation of a traditional dish which is then shared in the school patio.

Students will learn about the geographical context of this special area through experiential integration; they will learn about how the close proximity to Africa makes it an important area of migration, of whales, birds and humans. The nearby Straits of Gibraltar is a privileged location where scientists count the migration between June and October, a spectacular natural phenomena that occurs in the skies above the area each year. We offer the opportunity of learning more about bird conservation in this area. If weather conditions allow, students will also take a whale watching excursion where they will learn about the whales, dolphins, orcas that migrate through the Straits of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively students will enjoy another encounter with the flora and fauna of this diverse region.

Voluntary Work

We work with local partners to offer students the experience of voluntary work in organizations and associations that are of benefit to the local environment and community. Students will be able to make an impact whilst integrating with different areas of our wider local community. There will be options for working with animals, children, in sustainability projects, community projects and in the area of environmental education.

Traditional Crafts

We also include in our afternoon activities a range of traditional craft workshops. Vejer is fortunate to maintain some of its traditional craft makers and to have a respect for its past traditions. Juani Marchan is a cousin of the Galindo family who run the language school and she is also the only female basket maker of Vejer who is continues this tradition. Juani will show the students techniques for basket making and explain the local materials that used to make some of the traditional products still very much in use in the town. Alternatively we have Juan Maria who has his own ceramics shop in the old town and runs workshops on request along with an artist, Didi, who is inspired by the nature in the area for her creations.

Sports and Activities

There will be sporting activities arranged for students during some of the afternoons. Surf classes in El Palmar making use of the wonderful beaches of Vejer on the nearby Costa de la Luz. (now nicknamed Cadizfornia!) No experience is necessary for surf classes, we have been working with trusted surf school for over 10 years who are experienced in working with beginners and helping all abilities enjoy surfing. For those who choose not to participate there are games on the beach. There is also a kayak trip to the Castle of Sancti Petri, the old site of a temple to Hercules, it is an interesting kayak trip in the wetlands of Chiclana as well as a visit to an adventure park amongst the trees in nearby Roche.

Language Lessons

The language classes are fun and dynamic, we encourage active learning. Spanish language theory is put into practical use, we encourage students to participate in real life situations. Classes are taken in and out of the classroom with experienced teachers.

Price includes: tuition, mentoring, materials, support for voluntary work, accommodation in twin room, full board with Spanish family within walking distance from school, comprehensive activity programme, (cultural visits, sports – surf classes, kayak trip, excursions, including bird watching and anadventure experience either on land or sea.

Airport transfer is included for arrival on the 3rd July around midday (12:00-14:00) from Malaga airport. We can accommodate arrivals on different days or from different airports at extra cost.