Barcelona Exchange

Our exchange programme with El Pilar School near Barcelona has been running for over a decade, providing pupils with a fantastic opportunity for cultural and linguistic immersion.

Last month, 22 enthusiastic Spanish students from Year 9 and 10 travelled to Premià, a village situated on the coast to the north-east of Barcelona, to spend a week with their partners and host families. During the day, they explored Barcelona via walking tours of the city, learning about its history, culture and architecture. During the evening, the girls were reunited with their partners to enjoy some freedom and discover more about the Spanish way of life. One day, the group travelled to Girona and the medieval town of Besalú, where a treasure hunt awaited.

The following month it was the turn of the Spanish students to visit South Hampstead – and they couldn’t have been more excited. They spent a fantastic week hosted by our girls, visiting the most famous landmarks in London and enjoying the terrible English weather! In the evening, they had a chance to spend more time with their families and bond with their partners. It was a pleasure to host the students and sad to see them go on their last day, but many will doubtless keep in touch.

The girls described the trip as: “an enriching experience with many memorable moments. It made learning a language fun.”

“The exchange was a great opportunity to experience how people live in other countries. I got to try new food, attend a Spanish school and go to the beach everyday, which is definitely not something you can do here!”

“We made many new friends in Spain and we still talk to frequently – it is an experience I will never forget.”