Students’ program calendars are full this summer with activities both in the classroom and out in the community. At every site, students will partake in various activities that connect them with their host city and culture. Read on for a sneak peek at some of the activities planned (accompanied by pictures from past years):
Cultural Activities and Community Engagement on Students’ Calendars
Saumur
The IUHPFL program in Saumur regularly coincides with the region’s Anjou Vélo Vintage or retro bike ride. This year, not only will students get to participate with their host families if they wish, but they will also get to assist with the day’s festivities (as volunteers at the registration table or a refreshment stop).
Graz
Our students in Austria will return to the Ludovico Board Game library again this summer to spend some time learning about different Austrian board games and using their German in fun and friendly competition.
Ciudad Real
As part of the Castilla-La Mancha region, Ciudad Real boasts a close connection to the classic novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Our Ciudad Real students will skip out on morning classes one day to visit the city’s Don Quixote museum and learn more about this iconic fictional character and his connection to the region.
Oviedo
Students in Oviedo will once again take dance classes with a local expert and learn the Danza Prima. The Danza Prima is a traditional Asturian dance carried out in a circle. Dancers link their little fingers and move counterclockwise collectively in time with the music. Perhaps this year’s Oviedo students will include a demonstration of their Danza Prima skills at the end-of-program Farewell Show for their host families and onsite staff.
Saint-Brieuc
Connection with local students is always a highlight, and our Saint-Brieuc cohort will have a few opportunities to meet and get to know other local students. During their first full week onsite, Saint-Brieuc students will meet with students from the high school where their classes will be held to get to know each other, play games, and learn some traditional Breton dances. Later in the program, the group will also collaborate with a local recreation center to share a meal and interact with children and teens who attend the center.
Almería
Once again this year, students in Almería will partner with Asalsido, the Down Syndrome association in Almería. A favorite activity among students last summer, in this collaboration, IUHPFL students will join Asalsido patrons in their activities.
