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. Mari, the director of the school, has over 20 years of experience in welcoming overseas students. Jane has worked as an educational specialist in the area for the past 30 years and will be the point of contact mentor for the students as well as guiding them in their learning reflections and CAS experiences. ALL placements and afternoon activities will be conducted in Spanish.

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. If weather conditions allow, students will 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 through donkey trekking, hikes or natural art workshops.

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.

Voluntary Work

We liaise with local people to offer students the experience of voluntary work in organizations and associations that are benefical to the local environment and community. Students will be able to make their own contribution whilst getting to know the local people and culture. There will be options for working with animals, children, in sustainability projects, community projects and in the area of environmental education. Students can develop their awareness of issues with global significance by exploring them from a local perspective. The experience is enjoyable, hands-on and practical which counterbalances the academic pressures of the DP, and provides the opportunity to undertand the Essential Learning Outcomes first-hand. The “journey” may inspire students to follow-up their experiences with research projects in the future..

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 traditions. Juani Marchan is a the only female basket maker in Vejer who shows the students the locally sourced materials needed for her craft as well as sharing her techniques.  Alternatively we have Juan Maria who has his own ceramics shop in the old town and runs workshops on request. Didi, runs creative art sessions and is inspired by the nature in the area for her artistic expression.

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, such as volleyball. There is also a kayak trip to the Castle of Sancti Petri, the ancient site of a temple to Hercules, it is an interesting kayak trip in the wetlands of Chiclana. We also visit an adventure park with zip-wires, ramps and ingenious obstacles amongst the trees in nearby Roche.

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 an adventure experience either on land or sea.

Airport transfer:  is not included. Our nearest airports are: Jerez (87 km), Gibraltar (87 km) and Seville (165 km).  However, Students who plan to travel via Malaga airport (195 km) should aim to arrive and depart on the relevant Sunday between 12-14pm to make it more viable for students to share the airport transfer service and costs. Airport transfers are available from all airports listed, but the cost will depend on the distance and the possibility of sharing the taxi with another student. The school is happy to make transfer arrangements on the student’s behalf.