One of IUHPFL’s four pillars is cultural and community engagement. This year, IUHPFL’s onsite partners have worked to expand and enhance those activities so that students are engaging with their host culture and community on a regular basis. Each day, after class, students participate in some sort of afternoon activity; these are designed to allow students to connect more deeply with the language and country. Read on for a few highlights of activities planned at each site.
Planned Activities for Summer 2024
Almería
In Almería, students will visit local historical sites such as the Alcazaba, the underground refuges from the Spanish Civil War, and the Aljibes Árabes. They will have workshops on Spanish dance (flamenco and sevillanas). They will also partner with a local scouting organization. Our students will have access to the organization’s space and equipment for sports and leisure and will give back by helping the volunteer-led youth organization to rehabilitate the space, which was recently gifted to them by a local church.
Ciudad Real
Our Ciudad Real students will take a tour of the city and visit a local museum. They will also have a chance to meet with Ciudad Real government officials. They will engage with a school as well as a local organization that works with people with disabilities. They, too, will have the opportunity to learn Spanish dance—in this case, the Jota Manchega.
Graz
Our Graz team has a full calendar of local activities to pursue. They will visit a board game library and local historical sites such as the Zeughaus Styrian Armoury and the Schloss Eggenberg. They will participate in an Upcycling Workshop, have a sports lesson with a local secondary school class, help to clean up a Graz riverbank, and get to ride on the city’s Oldtimer tram.
Oviedo
In Oviedo, students will have the chance to participate in weekly Danza Prima classes. They will visit the mayor’s office and also visit famous local statues and monuments. They’ll celebrate the Fourth of July with their host families.
Saint-Brieuc
Team Saint-Brieuc will partake in a Breton dance workshop, engage with students from the school where their classes will be located, have the opportunity to attend a local music festival and engage with a Leisure Center that promotes outdoor educational and socialization opportunities for young children in the community.
Saumur
Students in Saumur will have the chance to attend a vintage bike festival with their host families. They will also visit the mayor’s office, help clean up the banks of a local river, and partner with a local senior center, among other activities.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for pictures of and updates on these and other program activities from our current cohort’s experience!