A group of 25 Curtis students, accompanied by chaperones Mrs. Isasi, Mr. Hankins, Ms. Wilson, and Ms. Zasa, departed for Spain February 12th. The majority of the students were seniors, with the exception of two sophomores.

The first eight days of the journey were spent in Gijón, a prominent coastal city in the Asturias region. During this time, the Curtis students lived with their assigned exchange partners, whom they had been paired with the previous September. In Gijón, they immersed themselves in the Spanish education system, experiencing a full day of school. This experience allowed them to observe the differences between Curtis and the high school in Gijón. The Gijón school, which accommodates around 1,000 students from the ages of 11 to 18, operates under a strict disciplinary system. For instance, students caught using cell phones face a three-day suspension.

Outside of the classroom, they explored significant landmarks in Gijón and the surrounding areas while their exchange counterparts remained in school. Each evening, they either spent time with their host families or gathered as a group. The farewells with their exchange partners were an emotional moment, since they all developed meaningful connections. Senior Charlee Burke said “Gijón was one of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever been, I loved it there, I already planned my next trip. My relationship with my student was unbeatable. We were literally the same person. I sobbed when I had to leave her.” 

The group then traveled to Madrid, making stops in historic cities along the way. One such city was Toledo, which was a favorite among many students due to its breathtaking cathedral, beautiful architecture, and the surrounding town. They also visited Salamanca, where they participated in the tradition of locating the famed frog carving on the university wall, an emblematic challenge among students of Salamanca University.

In Madrid, the students explored numerous cultural and historical landmarks, including some of the city’s most renowned cathedrals. A highlight of the visit was the Prado Museum, one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world, which houses an extensive collection of masterpieces. Overall, this journey was an invaluable educational and cultural experience for the students. As the majority of participants were seniors, the trip served as a memorable and meaningful final excursion together before graduation.