A journey of language, culture, and global connections

Stepping into Instituto Cervantes is like unlocking a hidden door to the heart of Spanish culture. For IB students, it’s more than just a visit. It’s a journey through language, history, and tradition. Imagine conversing with native speakers, soaking in authentic art, and experiencing Spain beyond the pages of a textbook.

For the same, students of Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Spain during their visit to Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi. This engaging experience aimed to enhance their Spanish language proficiency while fostering attributes of the IB Learner Profile, such as communication, inquiry, and open-mindedness.

A delegation of 31 students from the PYP, MYP, and DP Spanish classes, accompanied by their facilitators, participated in a series of interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of the Spanish language and culture. The day commenced with an engaging quiz on the Cervantes Library, encouraging students to explore Spanish literary resources and think critically as inquirers. Their cultural curiosity was further enriched through a visit to the exhibition lobby, where they interacted with historical artefacts, broadening their global perspective and reinforcing their open-mindedness.

A key highlight of the visit was the Mock DELE exam, where students demonstrated their language skills in a simulated assessment, showcasing their reflective and knowledgeable attributes. To further immerse themselves in Hispanic traditions, students watched the animated film Coco, gaining insights into the vibrant Mexican festival, Día de los Muertos. This was followed by a creative block printing activity inspired by the festival, allowing them to express their artistic abilities while engaging with cultural themes.

The visit also celebrated student achievements. Saanvi Sharma from MYP-4 was awarded a 100% DELE exam scholarship and received a universal certificate to appear for further DELE Spanish exams, while Aaditya Nath Mathur student of MYP-5, Arisha Gudwani from PYP-5, and Suhina Khetrapal from PYP-5 were recognised with goodie bags for their enthusiasm and participation.

Reflecting on her journey, Saanvi shared, “I have been learning Spanish since PYP-1, and my teachers have played a crucial role in helping me reach my present level of proficiency. I am now prepared to take on the next level of the exam. For those aspiring to appear for DELE, I strongly recommend following proper IB practices, including listening, reading, and writing. While I do not intend to pursue Spanish as a career, I am confident that this language will greatly support my future academic pursuits abroad.”

“The visit to Instituto Cervantes de Nueva Delhi provided a highly enriching experience for our Spanish students. The mock DELE exam and the block painting activity on Día de los Muertos were both engaging and immersive. The students thoroughly enjoyed these activities, and the prizes they received significantly enhanced their motivation, fostering a deeper interest in the language and culture. This experience encouraged them to be more reflective and open-minded learners, as they thoughtfully engaged with both the language and cultural aspects of the activities,” Ms Nitya Kapoor, PYP- MYP Spanish Facilitator, shared.

In addition, Ms Kairvee Arora, MYP & DP Spanish Facilitator, Assistant DP Coordinator said, “The visit to Instituto Cervantes was an enriching experience that fostered a key IB Learner Profile attribute, Communicator. Engaging in a Mock DELE exam, exploring the library, and interacting with native speakers allowed students to apply their Spanish knowledge in a real-world setting. Such exposure builds confidence, enhances cultural appreciation, and encourages risk-taking in language use. These hands-on experiences are invaluable in shaping students into proficient, globally-minded Spanish speakers”.

This experience not only reinforced classroom learning but also nurtured essential life skills, visiting Instituto Cervantes an educational and transformative milestone for the students of Apeejay’s IB School.

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