The year 11 Spanish class recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the highly anticipated 'Conferencia de Estudiantes' held at Flinders University, City Campus. This engaging event, organised by the Spanish Teachers Association of South Australia and Flinders University, aimed to provide a platform for language students to immerse themselves in language-based activities and interact with fellow Spanish students from all over South Australia. Our enthusiastic and motivated group of students embarked on this journey, leaving Renmark High School at the crack of dawn, and were thrilled to be the first school to arrive at the conference.

A Day of Cultural Exploration - Upon arrival, we were greeted with an atmosphere buzzing with excitement and a sense of unity among language enthusiasts. Over 170 students from various schools came together to celebrate their shared passion for Spanish language and culture. The day was filled with a diverse range of interactive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging activities that left a lasting impact on each participant.

Immersing in Culinary Delights - To celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the students, a special treat awaited us at the end of the day. We ventured to 'Cumbia Bar Kitchen,' a charming restaurant located just a short walk from the university. Here, we had the opportunity to savour the flavours of Spain and South America, trying traditional dishes that were new and exciting to many of us. The mouth-watering 'empanadas' and the aromatic, perfectly cooked 'paella' delighted our taste buds. However, it was the delectable dessert that truly stole the show—a plate of freshly baked 'churros' accompanied by a rich caramel sauce, leaving us craving for more.

A Cinematic Escape - Finally we were treated to an exclusive screening at the Spanish Film Festival. An entire cinema was reserved solely for our group, allowing us to enjoy a captivating film called 'The Tobacco Barns' filmed in rural Spain. This cinematic masterpiece transported us to a different world, further deepening our understanding and appreciation of Spanish culture and storytelling.

The 'Conferencia de Estudiantes' proved to be an unforgettable experience for the year 11 Spanish class. We not only had the chance to consolidate our language skills but also formed connections with fellow students who share our love for Spanish. The day was a perfect blend of educational activities, cultural exploration, and delectable culinary delights. As we left Adelaide, we carried with us a newfound enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language and its vibrant culture. Thank you to the Spanish Teachers Association of South Australia and Flinders University for organising this event.

Jasmine Sotiroulis
Spanish Teacher