Malaga Magic: An Unforgettable Spanish Immersion with On Course South West
Building on the success of our previous Turing Scheme journeys, On Course South West (OCSW) recently returned from an enriching two-week immersion in the sun-drenched city of Malaga, Spain. From March 1st to March 14th, 2026, our learners stepped out of the classroom and into the heart of Andalusian culture, developing new skills and gaining vital international experience.
Preparing for the Journey
Before we even touched down in Spain, our learners dedicated themselves to a 10-week preparation course. This intensive lead-up included:
● Academic Achievement: Working toward the NCFE Certificate in Personal and Social Development (Entry Level 3).
● Cultural Readiness: Deep-diving into Spanish Language, Life, and Culture to ensure everyone was ready to make the most of their time abroad.
A Journey of Discovery
The trip began with an early morning departure from Cobourg House, followed by a flight from Bristol that whisked our group away to the vibrant streets of Malaga. Upon arrival, learners settled into their accommodation at the Malaca Instituto's Club Hispánico, which served as our home base for the next fortnight.
Life in Malaga: Our Detailed Itinerary
Our days were a perfect blend of structured learning and cultural exploration:
● Language & Culture: Each weekday morning was dedicated to intensive Spanish lessons suitable for all levels, followed by afternoon sessions exploring Malaga (Picasso museum, Picasso house, La Alcazaba, etc), painting workshops, and even a cultural talk on the works of Picasso.
● Authentic Flavors: A major highlight was the hands-on cookery class where learners prepared and enjoyed a traditional Spanish lunch, mastering the art of making an authentic Paella.
● Pool and Beach Fun: Our home at Club Hispánico featured its own swimming pool, with regular lifeguarded sessions scheduled throughout the trip. The residence's location was also exceptionally close to the beach. This allowed some of our more adventurous students to start their days with a refreshing morning swim before their lessons began, or just a nice morning walk.
● Weekend Adventures: Saturdays and Sundays were reserved for exploring. Many took the time to wander through Malaga’s historic markets, visit the stunning Malaga Port, or take day trips to the traditional white-washed village of Mijas and the breathtaking views of Ronda. Some students even ventured further afield to discover the unique history of Gibraltar.
● Flamenco Finale: To celebrate our final night, we were treated to a breathtaking Flamenco show, a true testament to the passion and art of the region.
Student Feedback: In Their Own Words
The impact of the Turing Scheme continues to resonate with our learners. Based on recent feedback, the experience has been transformative:
● "This trip gave me the confidence to use my Spanish in real-world situations, something I never thought I'd be able to do."
● "Exploring the local markets and interacting with the residents of Malaga made the culture come alive in a way a textbook never could."
● "The cookery class was amazing! I can't wait to try making these recipes for my family back home."
Are you ready for your next adventure? For more information on our Turing Scheme please click here.