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SPAIN: CULTURE,
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES ADVENTURE AND CHURROS!

SPANISH EXCHANGE STUDENTS IN INDIA Spain wasn’t just a trip; it was a whirlwind of culture, history,
and unforgettable moments that made us pause, stare,
and truly feel.
As part of a vibrant cultural exchange program, The crisp Spanish air greeted us as we stepped off the plane.
we had the wonderful opportunity to host Spanish Ten students of DAIS IGCSE Grade 9 settled into the hotel,
students from the SEK School in Madrid in India while six DAIS IBDP Grade 11 students stayed with host
during the festive season of Diwali. Their visit was families. Led by Mr. Sunil Makwana and Ms. Ananta Prasad, we
filled with immersive activities that gave them a were ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
glimpse into the rich traditions and colourful
celebrations of Indian culture. From the medieval walls of Ávila to the fairytale aqueducts of
Segovia, every place whispered stories. Toledo dazzled with its
During their stay, the Spanish students layered heritage, where Jewish, Christian and Muslim
participated in several engaging workshops, influences met. Madrid, regal and vibrant, stunned us. At the
including an energetic Bollywood dance session, a Prado Museum, we stood awestruck before Velázquez’s Las
sari draping experience, and a mehndi (henna) Meninas and Goya’s powerful works. Wandering through
workshop where they got intricate designs drawn royal palaces and bustling plazas, we traced Spain’s rich past.
on their hands. Ordering food and navigating streets became exciting
I had the chance to show my student guest the challenges—Google Maps was our best friend.
magical Diwali lights at Shivaji Park, Dadar. She At SEK School, we experienced Spanish education
also explored some of the city's iconic landmarks firsthand—with a class in Business Studies, entirely taught in
like the Gateway of India and the beautifully lit Spanish. We built LEGO breakdancers in robotics, struggled
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with flamenco, and peered into the cosmos through
station. A serene visit to the ISKCON temple at advanced telescopes.
Juhu, known for its vibrant devotional atmosphere
and architectural beauty, gave her a peaceful From churros to buying souveniers and jerseys, we brought
home more than keepsakes. Our final act? Performing
experience of spiritual India. A stroll along Marine Drive during sunset left us both mesmerised by the sea and skyline. Chogada Tara at SEK’s assembly.
One of the most memorable experiences was attending a ballet performance directed by the legendary Shiamak Spain wasn’t just a destination—it was a rhythm we danced
Davar at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). The performance was not only captivating but also gave to, a story we lived, and a memory etched in time.
my exchange student a powerful glimpse into the life and passion of one of India's most celebrated artists. I also took
her on shopping experiences where she bought ethnic clothes and gifts on the occasion of Diwali. She got to enjoy a - Akshaj Panjnani, DAIS IGCSE Grade 9B
variety of Indian dishes - from street food to rich, flavourful curries. She especially enjoyed the butter chicken with
butter garlic naan! We celebrated Diwali together by lighting diyas at home and making rangolis with flowers and
her experience of celebrating it with us was special. Overall, this exchange was a beautiful blend of cultures, shared UN INTERCAMBIO INOLVIDABLE:
experiences, practicing speaking Spanish with a native and newfound friendships!
- Krishiv Bhatia, DAIS IBDP Grade 11 ¡NUESTRA SEMANA EN LA CAPITAL DE ESPAÑA!!

¿Te imaginas pasar una semana entera en
Madrid viviendo como un auténtico madrileño?
Eso fue exactamente lo que hicimos del 15 al 22
de marzo, cuando un grupo de estudiantes de
nuestro colegio tuvo la oportunidad de
participar en un intercambio cultural con una
escuela en España. Fue una experiencia única
que jamás olvidaremos.Durante nuestra
estancia, cada uno vivió con una familia
anfitriona. En mi caso, me alojé con Sofía y su
familia, quienes fueron muy amables y
a c o g e d o r e s . C o m p a r t i m o s m u c h a s
conversaciones interesantes sobre nuestras
culturas y rutinas, a pesar de que a veces nos
costaba expresarnos perfectamente. Pero eso
fue parte del aprendizaje: adaptarnos, mejorar y
conectar a través del idioma. Además, probamos
platos tradicionales como la tortilla española y
los churros con chocolate. Exploramos lugares
emblemáticos como el Museo del Prado, donde vimos obras maestras de artistas como Goya y Velázquez. También
paseamos por el Parque del Retiro, el Palacio Real y otros rincones históricos de Madrid. Más adelante, viajamos a
Toledo, una ciudad medieval impresionante, llena de encanto, historia y vistas espectaculares. Uno de los aspectos
más enriquecedores del viaje fue nuestra experiencia en el colegio SEK. Esta experiencia no solo nos ayudó a
mejorar nuestro nivel de español, sino que también nos dio una nueva perspectiva sobre el valor de aprender un
idioma. Volvimos a casa con nuevas amistades, recuerdos imborrables y una motivación aún mayor por seguir
aprendiendo español. Si alguna vez tienes la oportunidad de participar en un intercambio así, no lo dudes. ¡Te
cambiará la vida!
- Zaha Irani , DAIS IBDP Year 11

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