On Monday, June 5th, Chester College International School welcomed 25 students from Grades 8 to 10 and 3 teachers from St. Gilgen International School in Austria. The main objective of this exciting visit? A creative project: How to promote Galicia through video, while also fostering cultural exchange and building connections between the students.
The Project: Promoting Galicia Through Video
The 17 students from Chester College and their peers from St. Gilgen were divided into six working groups, each focusing on unique themes related to Galician gastronomy and traditional sports. While the students had met virtually in a Zoom session in May, their in-person meeting brought a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a bit of shyness.
The day began with a warm welcome and presentations by the teachers leading the project. A video presentation of Chester College, crafted by our own Carmen Varela and Iker López, was shared in German, helping to break the ice.
A Collaborative Theatrical Production
After the introductions, the students jumped into rehearsals for a play about the origins of the city of Santiago de Compostela. The performance involved:
- 5 scenes
- 5 groups
- 7 teachers
- A dedicated technical team
Following a snack break, the play came to life, bringing together a vibrant mix of languages, cultures, and a lot of imagination. Laughter and smiles filled the room as the students worked together on this creative project.
Sports, Teamwork, and the Gymkhana Challenge
In the spirit of friendly competition, the students bonded further through volleyball and basketball matches. The afternoon presented a new challenge: a gymkhana in Santiago’s old town, where the six groups faced tests that required knowledge, speed, and teamwork. For an hour and a half, the students raced through the streets, asking locals and tourists questions, gathering information online, and snapping pictures of Santiago’s most emblematic landmarks.
The Results: A Success!
As the event wrapped up, everyone enjoyed Santiago treats, exchanged contacts, and shared heartfelt goodbyes. The success of the experience was evident in the hugs, smiles, and promises to stay in touch—and hopefully, to reunite soon.
Frau Vaida Urbonaite, German teacher at Chester College and project coordinator, summed it up perfectly: “The experience was a success.”
