Project Passport Spain 2025

Details regarding Project Passport Spain (updated 04-29-2025)

• What are dates and the flight details for Project Passport Spain?

  The tentative dates for this trip are June 7 to June 15, 2025.

  We will be flying out of Chicago O’Hare for this trip.  We will leave from the Lower Academy at 10:30am on Saturday, June 7, 2025.  We will be flying United Flight 8474 operated by Canada Air leaving O’Hare (terminal 2) at 2pm and transferring flights in Toronto, Canada to United Flight 8544 operated by Canada Air with an arrival in Madrid at 8:20 am on Sunday June 8, 2025.  After getting our bags, we will take a high speed train AVE from Madrid at 12:00pm and arrive in Sevilla at 2:44 pm.

  Sunday, June 15, 2025.  We will leave Sevilla at 6am to take a high speed train AVE 2561 to Madrid arriving at 8:56am. 

  We will be flying United flight 8355 operated by Canada Air leaving Madrid (terminal 2) at 12:30pm and transferring flights in Toronto, Canada to United Flight 8287 operated by Canada Air with an arrival in Chicago at 5:24 pm   After getting our bags, we should be back at the LA around 8:00pm.

   

• Hotel Information

  We will be staying in the historic city-center of Seville.

  We will be staying at the Hotel Goya. https://hotelgoyasevilla.com/

   

• What should I pack for the trip?

  The temperature in Seville in March-June averages 70-95.  Seville enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year so it is very likely that we will experience beautiful weather like a really nice spring or summer day in Illinois.  

  Please also be aware that we will be walking a lot.  We will average 5 miles a day and maybe more.   Please make sure scholars have a comfortable pair of shoes.

  Although, it is possible to buy most US products in Spain, it is not guaranteed.  So, if you have specific items you need, please bring it along.

  Please bring enough clothes for seven days.  This should include both warm weather and cooler weather options.  In general, clothes should be casual but please do not pack graphic shirts or pants.

  • 1-2 pairs of shorts
  • long pants
  • short sleeve shirts
  • a light jacket or sweatshirt
  • a swimsuit 
  • closed toe shoes (you may also bring sandals but depending on where we are visiting you may have to wear the closed-toes shoes
  • Book(s) -especially for the plane
  • toiletries (toothpaste, brush, and medicines needed)
  • Sun protector (even in the cooler weather the Spanish sun is strong.) Lotion not spray.
  • Optional- hat for sun protection (when we visit churches and museums, we will be required, out of respect, to remove the hats.)

  We recommend about $50-$100 for souvenirs.   We will exchange US Dollars for Euros in Spain.  

• Can my scholar bring a cell phone or other electronics?

  As discussed in our orientation meeting, we want scholars to be in the moment and fully immerse themselves in this educational adventure.   Therefore, phone and electronics are not permitted.  Please review the Electronic Policy here: Communication and Electronics -Project Passport 2023 .

  Scholars may bring cameras as long as they do not have internet connectivity.

  The chaperones will send out a daily WhatsApp text and photos to all parents.  This will provide parents with and update while still ensuring that scholars are focused.

  You can download the WhatsApp application here. 

• Who is chaperoning?

  Michael Lane, CEO, will chaperone  Project Passport Spain.  Mr. Lane has chaperoned six Project Passport Costa Rica, two Project Passport Spain and one Project Passport Africa.  Ms. Alyousuf, advanced math instuctor, will also chaperone.   This will be her third Project Passport Spain trip.

  GRCS will obtain travel insurance for all scholars and chaperones for this trip.

• What will scholars do to prepare for the Spain Trip?

  Scholars will have Spanish language classes on Wednesdays.  The classes will be held at the Upper Academy.

  Scholars will also work on geography.  They will learn the countries of Western Europe.  You can practice here:

  Countries of Western Europe

   

  Wednesday- class begins at 12:30pm and runs until 2:00pm.  Scholars may be picked up at the Upper Academy at 2:00pm or you may chose to have them ride the Galapagos shuttle to the Lower Academy.  The shuttle should arrive at the Lower Academy by 2:25pm.   If you would like to sign your scholar up for the shuttle, you may do so here:

  Bussie Shuttle

  Scholars will not be supervised after drop-off.

   

• What is the agenda for the Spain trip?

  This is an agenda from 2024. Please use this agenda as a guide but some components may change for 2025.  It will be posted upon confirmation.
  

  Day 1 (June 7)– Travel to Seville (see above for flight info.)

  Dinner: Served on the flight.

  Day 2 (June 8)- Arrive in Seville, check into hotel (Hotel Goya)

  PM- Lunch

  -Visit the Torre de Oro and tour the La Maestranza bullring.

  -Flamenco Dance Class

  -Dinner: TBA

  Day 3 (June 9)

  AM- Spanish classes begin!  Each day will begin with a language class followed by a language field study to a different part of the city.

  Dinner: TBA

  After dinner we will visit Las Setas de Seville- a very large wooden structure in the shape of a mushroom.  (Seriously, but the views are great!)

  Day 4 (June 10)– Spanish classes continue.

  Dinner and activity;

  Spanish Cooking Class at Triana Market. We will make it ourselves in cooking class!

  We will learn to make- Gazpacho, tortilla de patatas, gambas al ajillo y pavía de bacalao.

  Day 5 (June 11)- Spanish classes continue.

  Dinner- We will eat a traditional Spanish restuarant: En la Esquina Te Espero

  Day 6 (June 12)- Spanish classes continue.

  Dinner: Flamenco show and dinner at Madriguera de Mai.

  Day 7 (June 13)- Spanish classes continue.

  Dinner: We will eat at El 3 de Oro.  We will have paella.  Paella is a rice dish originally from the Valencia. Paella is considered as one of the community’s identifying dishes. It is one of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine

  Day 8 (June 14)- .

  AM- Travel to the town of El Chorro and hike the El Caminito del Reys https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/el-caminito/history

  Day 9 (June 15)– Return to the USA (see flight info above).

• Are there required vaccinatons for this trip?

  No, there are no required vaccinations for this trip.  But scholars should be up-to-date on all US required vaccinations.

• How and when should I get my child's passport?

  Please apply for your child’s passport over winter break.  There are a variety of place to go but the US Post Office is one of the main locations to get your passport. 

  The process of applying for a passport requires you to submit a filled-out application form, proof of citizenship and identity, a passport-sized photograph (get at Walgreens or CVS), and the required fees at the Anniston Post Office. It is important to note that you should not sign the DS-11 application form until the post office worker handling your application tells you to do so.

  The process to get a passport has several steps, but the employees at the ROCKFORD POST OFFICE are there to guide you from start to finish. Make sure you have all the required documents and details ready before you visit to ensure a smooth application process.

  Note: For an appointment Call (815) 229-4807

  Please see the following forms for more assistance.

  Passport form DS11

  8 Steps for a Child’s Passport

• What is the cost of Project Passport Spain?

  The cost of the Spain trip is well over $2,400 but GRCS fund-raises the majority of this cost.  The cost to families is $220.

  The first payment of $55 is due on November 30, 2024.

  The second payment of $55 is due on December 15, 2024.

  The third payment of $55 is due on January 15, 2025.

  The final payment of $55 is due on Feberuary 1, 2025.

  Payments can be made here.

• Are there ways scholars and families can fundraise for the trip?

  Yes, you can fund-raise for this trip. Galapagos offers three different types of coffee that can be sold to friend, family and co-workers.

  Each bag of coffee costs $13.99.  For each sales of coffee, the scholar raises $5 to go towards the cost of the trip.  So, if you sell 20 bags of coffee, you earn $100 towards the trip.

  Fundraising is not required.

  The types of coffee we have are:

  Balanced

  

  Aromatic

  

  Chocolaty

  

  Buy coffee here!