Being a globally minded community means more than just awareness of the world around us – it is also being part of it. ISDenver is the only elementary school in metro Denver that offers students international travel opportunities. Our students’ world travels reinforce our commitment to developing globally minded and interculturally adept students who make positive contributions in our world.

Fifth graders in our Spanish program just returned from an immersive ten-day experience in Spain.

Itinerary

Students spent six days in Valencia, where they had the opportunity to visit our Sister School, Julio Verne, and engage in numerous cultural activities. They also explored the city and its surroundings, immersing themselves in the region's rich history and vibrant culture, architecture, food and traditions.

They then traveled to the capital city of Madrid, where they explored the ancient city.  They visited high-interest historical buildings, squares, and monuments.  Students delved into 18th Century society through their visit to the Museo del Prado, where they had the chance to see Goya’s paintings in person—many of which they had studied in our unit on the Revolutions, particularly the "El levantamiento del 2 de Mayo". It was a memorable experience to connect the artwork students had learned about in class with the actual pieces in the museum. All these activities were led by certified tour guides who enriched their experience to a higher level.

The students were amazing, and it was beautiful to see them fully immersed in the culture and consistently using the Spanish language in authentic, real-life situations. We spent three incredible days at our Sister School, where they not only interacted with their pen pals through class activities and prepared lessons, but also during recess. It was wonderful to see them playing and socializing effortlessly in Spanish. They even learned some traditional hand games and songs, fully embracing the experience. 

Maria Rodriguez, ECE Principal, Director of the Spanish program and accreditation

Six reasons why the 5th-grade trip is pivotal to an ISDenver education

The trip is an essential part of an ISDenver education because it offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world experiences that extend beyond the four corners of the classroom. This trip offers to the students at a young age: 

1. Cultural Immersion: Traveling abroad allows students to directly experience the culture, language, and history they've been learning about in class. 
2. Language Development: Being in an exclusively Spanish-speaking environment provides students with the chance to practice their language skills in real-life situations. This immersion helps them build fluency, gain confidence in speaking, and develop a deeper connection to the language they are learning.
3. Real-World Learning: The trip turns abstract lessons into tangible experiences. For example, seeing Goya’s paintings at the Museo del Prado or participating in traditional games and songs connects classroom knowledge to real-world applications, reinforcing the educational content memorably.
4. Personal Growth: Traveling to a new country and engaging with a different culture helps students step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and build independence. These experiences help students to grow and develop resilience, and adaptability, at a young age. The transformation is often evident when students return, with parents consistently commenting on the impact the trip has had on their child’s confidence, maturity, and outlook on the world.
5. Building Connections: The trip strengthens bonds between students, teachers, and our Sister School friends, fostering collaboration and friendship across borders. This global community encourages students to think critically about their place in the world and the value of intercultural relationships. After the catastrophic floods in Valencia, ISDenver students came together to send messages of support to their pen pals. They were eager to reach out, expressing concern for their friends' well-being and offering words of encouragement. This experience not only deepened their empathy but also underscored the importance of staying connected. The sense of solidarity among the students was powerful, showing how international friendships can thrive in both good times and difficult ones.
6. Broadening Perspectives: The trip allows students to see the world from new perspectives, challenging their assumptions and expanding their worldview. 

The fifth-grade trip strongly aligns with ISDenver’s mission to create well-rounded, globally-minded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also culturally competent, compassionate, and ready to thrive in a diverse world.

The trip also provides a culminating moment as students complete the Primary Years Programme as global citizens ready to embark upon the Middle Years Programme. This experience employs all the strategies, knowledge, and skills acquired throughout their scholarly life since they started at ISDenver, many since they were three-years-old.