Spain
Culture & Sustainable Communities
About the Program
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain, blending cultural exploration with hands-on community service. Explore historic Madrid and Barcelona, from the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the iconic Sagrada Familia. Experience the charm of Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and engage in meaningful environmental projects in the sustainable community of Amayuelas. This program offers students the chance to immerse themselves in Spain’s rich history, vibrant culture, and sustainable living practices while creating lasting connections with local communities.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Overnight flight to Madrid – meet your Global Works Trip Leaders at the airport
- Transfer by private bus to our centrally-located lodging in Madrid city to settle in
- Walk to Retiro Park for trip orientation – maybe ride a row boat on the Estanque!
- Engage in language activities to brush up on our skills and practice the Spanish accent
- Dinner as a group out in town
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Walking tour of the historic center including the Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace with a stop for churros con chocolate
- Visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia to view timeless works of art
- Dinner at a local hot spot!
- Workshop on sustainable communities to prepare for the next stage of the trip
- Breakfast at the hostel
- Board the bus to Sebulcor, a region well known for its natural beauty, water sports, and outdoor adventures
- Excursion to historic Segovia and witness its iconic Roman aqueduct, medieval walls and Romanesque churches
- Continue north and arrive in the small town of Amayuelas de Abajo
- Welcome dinner with our community hosts
- Breakfast in the community
- Tour the community to learn about its history and overall goals. Intro to our service projects, which might include making adobe bricks for construction, gardening, and bread baking
- Afternoon workshops in sustainable living
- Stargazing experience tonight!
- Participate in impactful environmental restoration and conservation projects throughout the day
- Afternoon workshops
- Soccer, anyone? Join local students in a game of pickup to practice your Spanish and burn off some energy!
- Say farewell to our new friends at Amayuelas
- Transfer by bus to Madrid, and head onward to Barcelona via the world-famous Ave!
- Explore a local market for lunch before experiencing the wonder of Park Güell
- Time for shopping before a Basque-style pintxos dinner
- Bike tour of the Barri Gòtico, Port and Parc de la Ciutadella
- Paella lunch
- Walk along Ramblas > Plaça Catalunya > Passeig de Gràcia to enjoy some of Barcelona’s most unique Modernism architecture, including several Gaudí buildings
- Sagrada Familia Tour
- Ride the Teleferic of Montjuic
- Celebrate the end of the trip with a final group dinner
- Finish packing and head to the airport according to flight schedules
- Fly home!
Educational Focus & Highlights
Hands-On Environmental Projects
Join the community in Amayuelas for environmental restoration and conservation work. Learn sustainable practices through projects like adobe brick making, gardening, and community engagement.
Explore Madrid’s Rich Heritage
Explore Madrid’s historic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. Savor local flavors like churros con chocolate and dive into Spanish culture with museum visits and walking tours.
Tour the Sagrada Familia & Park Güell
Experience the breathtaking Sagrada Familia and explore the vibrant open spaces of Park Güell. Get immersed in Barcelona’s unique blend of history, architecture, and Catalan culture.
Witness Segovia’s Ancient Roman Architecture
Visit Segovia to see its iconic Roman aqueduct and medieval fortifications. Gain insight into Spain’s deep historical roots through this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
