CET Travel Awards – Language and Cookery, San Sebastián
A Student’s Immersive Spanish Experience in San Sebastián
Written by Wenlin
The week I spent in San Sebastián, Spain, was full of adventure, independence, and cultural immersion. I stayed with a local host family and a peer who quickly became my friend. Since San Sebastián is a bicycle-friendly city, our host family provided us with bikes, making it easy to explore during our free time.
Spanish Language Classes at Lacunza
Each morning, I attended Spanish classes at Lacunza from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a 30-minute break at 11 a.m. The schedule left plenty of time to explore the city in the afternoons. Travelling solo was a new experience for me. I flew on my own to San Sebastián with a layover in Barcelona, and on the way back, I navigated public transport through Madrid. While figuring it out was a bit challenging, asking for help in Spanish made it manageable. The locals were very friendly and always willing to help.
The first day at Lacunza was a bit hectic as class placements were finalised. I was placed in Douglas La Rosa’s class, a kind and lenient teacher who created a relaxed environment. We often discussed thought-provoking topics, pushing us to improve our Spanish conversational skills. Alongside grammar and vocabulary, we learned about Spanish customs, for example, that it’s perfectly normal to arrive one to two hours late to a scheduled meeting.
Cultural Activities and Pintxo Pote
Evenings were filled with optional cultural activities. One of the highlights was Pintxo Pote on Thursday evenings, where you could enjoy a pintxo and a drink for around three euros. It was a great way to meet students from other classes and practice Spanish in a casual setting.
Traditional Basque Cooking Class
Another memorable activity was a Basque cooking course held on Wednesday from 6–9 pm. at Mimo Bite the Experience, a renowned culinary school. Chef Erick led the session in Spanish, translating when needed. The school featured a charming, historic exterior and a bright, spacious kitchen.
We prepared four traditional Basque dishes: Salmorejo, Fideuà, merluza en salsa verde, and tarta de queso (Basque cheesecake). With the ingredients prepped ahead of time, we focused on the cooking itself. It was an amazing hands-on experience where I learned new techniques and deepened my appreciation for Basque cuisine.
Exploring San Sebastián’s Beaches and Old Town
After class, I often visited La Concha Beach, one of San Sebastián’s most famous landmarks. I enjoyed sunbathing, reading, collecting seashells, and swimming in the clear, warm water. My friend and I would bike into the Old Town (Parte Vieja) to find local spots for lunch. One favourite was Juantxo, a well-known local eatery.
We also visited the iconic Comb of the Wind sculpture, which was absolutely stunning. Every day included a slice of Basque cheesecake, with the one from La Viña easily living up to its reputation. One challenge was that many restaurant menus were in Euskara, the Basque language, which differs greatly from Castilian Spanish. It was a small but enriching obstacle in our immersive experience.
Living with a Host Family
Living with our Spanish host family added another layer to the experience. Since their English was limited, we communicated almost exclusively in Spanish, which accelerated our language learning. Our host and her partner were incredibly warm, humorous, and curious about our daily activities.
On our final evening, she took us to Mount Igueldo for a breathtaking night view of San Sebastián. It was the perfect way to end a week full of discovery, language immersion, and cultural connection.
I’m deeply grateful to CET for giving me the opportunity to take part in this unforgettable journey.
Each year, the Cheltonian Endowment Trust (CET) offers Travel Awards designed to foster independence and career preparation.
Applications are open to all Lower Sixth pupils, and awards are made following an interview process with a panel of three CET trustees. Typically, about 30 pupils apply for a grant and about half are successful. Destinations may be as far as India or Tanzania, or applications can also be for UK-based courses and experiences.