Spain: Andalucia Community Service & Language Immersion

Arrive in Malaga and transfer by bus to the Fundación Escuela de Solidaridad (FES), just outside the city of Granada. We spend the next few days working alongside members of the non-profit organization, which offers socially disadvantaged individuals a home for personal development, vocational tools, and a family spirit.Participate with the daily work that keeps FES running and help maintain and improve the FES buildings and grounds. Work may include childcare, gardening, designing and creating mosaics, or helping prepare for or clean up after community meals. Community service at FES is an opportunity to get to know the community members and learn from their unique stories and talents. One night we put on our dancing shoes for a flamenco lesson to soak in the Andalusian culture!

Board bus for Granada. We spend the morning taking a guided walking tour of the famous Alhambra palace and gardens. We enjoy a tasty lunch and have time to explore the center of Granada. Taste test berenjenas con miel! Return by bus to FES and prepare for the celebratory despedida.

Our travels lead us to Cordoba, where we take a day trip to tour and visit the Great Mosque, known as the Mezquita. We explore this astoundingly beautiful structure which represents the confluence of Arabic, Christian, and Jewish cultures in the region. Enjoy a classic Andalusian lunch and have time to explore the architectural wonders of Cordoba by foot.

We then head to Sevilla and take a walking tour of the historic city center and the Alcazar (palace). Visit La Catedral de Sevilla and climb its bell tower for a view of the city. We stroll Parque María Luisa and ride 4-person bikes on a scavenger hunt in small groups. Finally,. we visit the Triana Food Market and test our culinary skills with a local cooking class.

Transfer back down to the Mediterranean and the city of Málaga. Visit the Picasso Museum and check out the views from the hilltop Alcazaba Palace Enjoy a final opportunity for souvenir shopping, a stroll by the sea, and a final dinner with live music, great food, and laughter. The next morning we depart for the airport to begin our journey home. We can’t wait to share new memories and experiences with our friends and family back home.