The FU International Academy organises an intensive educational programme for a group of students from Turkey
July 2011: Lifelong Learning – Leonardo da Vinci Projects are all about getting to know different European cultures and other ways of working. Learning a new language is also an important part of the educational programme. The FU International Academy in Tenerife welcome groups from all over Europe and gives them an understanding of all aspects of everyday Spanish life.
At the moment there is a group of ten students from Turkey in Puerto de la Cruz, where the FU International Academy is located. This project lasts two weeks. During their stay the group takes part in a varied programme which the FU Academy has organised for them in cooperation with their supervising tutors from Turkey.
Part of the programme is a two week Spanish language course. “The students not only learn to communicate with others, but also learn about a different way of life, work, culture and Spanish customs” says Mari Carmen the coordinator at the FU International Academy. The important thing for the students is to learn a new language and to see work practices in other countries. Every country has its own rules. “It is exciting to learn about these differences”, a participant in the group says.
Excursions have been organised to Hotels and local businesses where it is possible to see Spanish people at work. The group visited a company which does bulk catering for schools and residential homes in Tenerife. The group were conducted through the building by a member of staff and they showed great interest in the preparation and production areas, some students asked questions. The farewell was sweetened by a tasting of some of the delicious home made pastries.
A visit to the huge four star Hotel Las Aguilas was one of the highlights of the stay. They really enjoyed the tour through the hotel and to the different departments such as housekeeping, the kitchen, building services and a hotel room. The receptionist, Eva, explained every department in a very interesting and informative way.
The last excursion was a visit to a regional winemaker, the Bodega Monje, which opened its doors to the visitors and gave them a tour through the cellars and the production area. Impressed by the massive wine barrels and the modern wine production techniques they all listened attentively to the information the guide gave them. At the end all the girls tasted the wine to test for themselves the quality and distinctive taste of Tenerife wine. Some bottles changed owner as presents for families and friends back home. The taste of our island is finding its way round the world.
In the course of the year more groups from different countries are going to come to Tenerife. For the young people these exchanges are very important because “They grow up in a working environment in which borders do not play a role any longer. The knowledge of other cultures is fundamental to working with colleagues, managers and customers later on.” Frank Sellingsloh, the Director of the FU International Academy Tenerife says. The knowledge of other languages is a skill which employers value greatly.
The participants in these Lifelong Learning projects get to learn, very early on in their careers, the benefits of international cooperation and the FU International Academy plays an important role in introducing the Spanish work ethic to young people from all over Europe.
FU Tenerife Spanish Language School: Spanish language courses and hotel internships on Tenerife
