Madrid, Spain
Global Connections:
YSD and Colegio Quercus Spanish Immersion:
Online Applications Due January 9, 2025
Program Details
The immersion program at Colegio Quercus is designed to provide Yakima students with an authentic cultural experience through direct involvement in Spanish school life and daily routines. Students will participate in various activities, from classroom learning to cultural excursions, while also serving as ambassadors of the Yakima School District.
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Dates: March 30 - April 12, 2025
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School Immersion: Students will attend classes at Colegio Quercus, participating in daily lessons alongside their Spanish peers, enhancing their language skills and understanding of Spanish education.
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Cultural Activities: The program includes visits to significant landmarks in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace, El Prado Museum, and Retiro Park, as well as excursions to nearby historical towns. These activities provide students with a rich understanding of Spain’s history and culture.
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Student Ambassadors: Yakima students are selected not only based on academic performance but also for their behavior and ability to represent the U.S. as ambassadors during the exchange. This ensures that participating students are well-suited to engage positively with their peers and host families in Spain.
Click Here To Apply
When you apply, use the password pursue17$. Remember to select the "Study Abroad" program.
Costs (approximately $2900, plus spending money)
The total participation cost is approximately $2900, which the student's family pays.
Participation in the exchange program requires a total student exchange fee of $1,600 and a flight fee of $1300, which is paid in two parts: $1300 is the fee for the flight*, paid on or before Monday, December 2, 2024, and the remaining $1600 is due on or before February 1, 2025. This $1600 fee to Pursue Education covers coordinating all school activities, cultural excursions, and administrative support during the immersion experience.
*Flight costs are estimated at $1,300 for a round trip from Seattle to Madrid. Students will be responsible for paying for their flight through the Yakima School District, which will, in turn, provide payment for the group to Pursue Education. Pursue Education will book the flights the week of December 2, 2024.
About Colegio Quercus
Colegio Quercus, located in Boadilla del Monte, a town near Madrid, Spain, is a renowned educational institution known for its commitment to fostering academic excellence and cultural enrichment. The school provides a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and bilingual education, making it an ideal partner for the Yakima School District’s immersion exchange program.
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Facilities: Colegio Quercus boasts modern facilities, including advanced classrooms, sports facilities, and a swimming pool, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in both academic and extracurricular activities. The school’s commitment to creating a nurturing and innovative environment is reflected in its state-of-the-art infrastructure.
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Curriculum: As part of Spain’s robust education system, Colegio Quercus follows a curriculum that emphasizes both traditional subjects such as math, science, and history, as well as specialized programs that encourage language acquisition, arts, and physical education. Students from Yakima will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this dynamic learning environment while improving their Spanish language skills.
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Community: Colegio Quercus fosters a close-knit community atmosphere where collaboration between students, teachers, and families is highly valued. Spanish students actively participate in various school and community events, providing Yakima students with a firsthand experience of life in a Spanish school. The school’s focus on cultural understanding and mutual respect makes it an ideal partner for this exchange program.
For more information, you can visit the school’s official website and Facebook page:
Logistics and Accommodations
Yakima students will stay with host families selected by Colegio Quercus and will have the support of bilingual chaperones from the Yakima School District throughout their travels and their stay. These chaperones will travel with the group and be available to assist students with any concerns during their time in Spain.
Virtual Orientation
Prior to traveling, a virtual orientation session will be conducted by Pursue Education to prepare students and families for what to expect in Spain. This session will provide practical advice, cultural insights, and important logistical information to ensure students are fully prepared for their time abroad.
Support and Safety
Safety remains a top priority for the Yakima School District and Colegio Quercus. Participating students and families will be supported throughout the exchange program with clear communication channels, thorough orientations, and emergency protocols.
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Ongoing Support: Throughout the program, both Yakima School District staff and Pursue Education coordinators will be available to address any issues. Regular check-ins will ensure that students and host families are having a positive experience.
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Emergency Protocols: In the event of any issues, clear emergency contacts will be provided to students and their families, ensuring timely resolution of any concerns.