Project Passport Spain 2026

Details re: Project Passport Spain 2026 (Trip Completed June 14, 2026)

• How do I apply for Project Passport Spain?

  Applications for Project Passport Spain are no longer available for the summer of 2026.  The next round of applications will be released in September 2026.

  If your scholar has been accepted, please continue to read additional information on this page.

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

  The dates for this trip are June 6 to June 14, 2026.

  Departure from Rockford

  We will leave the Lower Academy at 2pm on June 6.  We will take Bussie to O’Hare.  We will be flying on TAP Portugal Airlines flight 244 (leaving at 6:05pm) will will land in Lisbon, Portugal before transffering to TAP Portugal Airlines Flight 1104 arriving in Seville, Spain at 3pm.  

  Return to Rockford

  We will leave Seville at 6:30am on TAP Portugal flight # 1107.   We will transfer in Lisbon Portugal to TAP Portugal flight #243.  We will land at O’Hare at 4:oopm.   We will need to go through passport control before getting our luggage.  We would expect to be back in Rockford, at the Lower Academy, at approximately 6:30pm.

• 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 June averages 70-95 (sometimes even warmer!).  Seville enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year so it is very likely that we will experience beautiful weather like a really nice summer day in Illinois.  

  Please also be aware that we will be walking a lot.  We will average 5-8 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 trips, three Project Passport Spain trips, one Project Passport Africa trip, one Project Passport Utah and one Outward Bound- Winter Adventure.  Ms. Alyousuf, advanced math instructor, will also chaperone.   This will be her fourth Project Passport Spain trip.

  Mr. John Oliver, our UA Dean of Culture, will be our Illinois based contact person. He can be reached at (779) 772-3339.  Any emergencies, during the trip, should be directed to him.

• 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.  The first meeting will be TBD.

  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?

  2026  Agenda

  Day 1 June 6, 2026– Travel to Sevilla, Spain (see above for flight info.)

  Dinner: Served on the flight.

  Day 2 June 7, 2026- Arrive in Sevilla, check into hotel (Hotel Goya)

  7:00pm Flamenco Dance Class 

  Dinner: Orsino (Italian restaurant)

  Day 3 June 8, 2026

  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.

  3:00pm–

  Visit the Torre de Oro (the old guard tower that protected the city.) https://sevillecityguide.com/torredeloro.html

  Visit the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza- Sevilla’s famous bull ring.    https://visitaplazadetorosdesevilla.com/  

  8:00pm Dinner: Casa Pepe Hillo 

  10:30pm 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 9, 2026– Spanish classes continue.

  Lunch– Jamon! Jamon! Jamon!  Mr. Lane’s favorite sandwich shop in the world.  Taste the best quality ham anywhere. 

  6:00pm Dinner and activity:

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

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

  Day 5 June 10, 2026- Spanish classes continue.  As part of class, we will do “treasure hunt” in the Plaza de Alemeda.

  4:00pm Kyacking the Rio Guadalaqivir (guided tour)

  9:00pm Dinner- Flamenco show and dinner at Madriguera de Mai.

  Day 6 June 11, 2026- Spanish classes continue. As part of class, we visit the oldest flea market in Sevilla and La Feria market.

  3:30 Visit the Royal Alcazar, the king’s old palace and fortress.

  Dinner: TBD

  9:00pm- See an actual bull fight.

  Day 7 June 12, 2026- Spanish classes continue.  As part of class, we will create mosaics.

  3:00pm – Visit the world famous Sevilla Catherdral (where Christopher Columbus was laid to rest) and the Giralda, the old mosque tower converted to a church tower.

  6pm– Intercambio with Spanish scholars

  Dinner: We will eat at El 3 de Oro (9pm).  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 13, 2026- .

  AM- Travel to the town of El Chorro and hike the El Caminito del Reys

  Dinner in Sevilla- We will eat at a traditional Spanish restaurant : En la Esquina Te Espero.  We may eat snails!

  Day 9 June 14, 2026– Return to the USA (see flight info above).  Meals on the plane

• 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 by December 22, 2025.  There are a variety of place to go but the US Post Office is one of the main locations to get your passport.  We will need either a copy of your scholar’s passport or receipt of application by December 22, 2025.   They should be sent to: enrichment@galapagoscharter.org  .  Failure to do so, will jeopordize your scholar’s chance to attend this trip. 

  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.  This program is $220 for current scholars paid across four installments.  For alumni, the program is $330 paid across six payments

  The first payment of $55 is due on December 2, 2025.

  The second payment of $55 is due on December 20, 2025.

  The third payment of $55 is due on January 30, 2026.

  The final, current scholar payment of $55 is due on February 28, 2026

  The additional alumni payment of $55 is due on March 20, 2026.

  The final alumni payment of $55 is due on April 20, 2026.

  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 $6 to go towards the cost of the trip.  So, if you sell 20 bags of coffee, you earn $120 towards the trip.

  Fundraising is not required.

  The types of coffee we have are:

  Balanced

  

  Aromatic

  

  Chocolaty

  

  Buy coffee here!