Spanish language trip to Argentina

Absorbing the culture, trying delicious food, seeing the sights, and practising their language skills were some of the highlights of a two-week Spanish language trip to Argentina in the Term 3 holidays.

An excited group of 24 Year 11–13 Spanish students, were “great ambassadors for St Andrew’s,” says Spanish teacher, Alexis Evamplieff, who led the tour, which was also accompanied by Head of Modern Languages, Fiona Taylor.

The trip started with a visit to the Eva Perón Museum in Buenos Aires, and the first of three visits to local schools, Colegio de Todos los Santos, Instituto Albert Einstein, and St George’s College North – where students engaged in cultural exchanges and gave presentations about New Zealand and Māori culture.

“The visit to St George’s College North concluded with a haka which was much appreciated,” says Fiona.

Students also visited Manos Abiertas, a volunteer organisation which helps vulnerable people, where they generously donated clothing and souvenirs, and helped children with drawings, reading, and lots of outdoor games.

The group braved wet weather as they toured the seaside city of Mar del Plata, where they made empanadas and sampled Argentine barbecue.

The trip culminated in Puerto Iguazú, where students marvelled at the breathtaking Iguazú Falls. During a final ranch visit in Buenos Aires, they rode horses, saw gauchos in action, and practised their tango one last time.

“It was a fantastic trip, which was planned for over a year,” says Alexis. “We all spoke a lot of Spanish and the students gained a real insight into the culture of Argentina.”