The seventh and eighth-grade students have returned from an unforgettable ten-day trip to southern Spain, where they immersed themselves in the language, culture, and daily life of a small Andalusian village. The international excursion, a signature component of the school’s middle school program, took place from April 24 through May 4.
The group traveled to La Herradura, a picturesque town nestled on the Mediterranean Sea, where students stayed in pairs or small groups with local families. This homestay experience allowed them to fully engage with Spanish culture and practice their language skills in authentic, real-life settings.
Led by Princeton Montessori staff members Señora Nuria Perez and Mr. Justin Keeler, and supported by E&E Expeditions, a travel organization specializing in educational tours, the trip gave students opportunities to explore Spain’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. They participated in community service projects, took part in traditional cooking and dance lessons, visited historical landmarks, and connected with Spanish peers at local schools.
A key tenet of Montessori education is fostering independence academically, socially, and emotionally. This trip abroad continues that work at the middle school level, offering students the opportunity to navigate unfamiliar environments, adapt to new situations, and take responsibility for themselves in meaningful ways.
The experience also nurtures global mindedness, a key attribute in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and one increasingly essential in a rapidly changing world. Students return with a deeper appreciation for cultural differences, enhanced empathy, and a broadened worldview that will serve them well in future academic and professional pursuits.
“This trip is more than a travel experience,” said Señora Perez, Spanish teacher and trip coordinator. “It’s a rite of passage that strengthens independence, cultural awareness, and global citizenship. The students return more confident, not only in their Spanish, but in themselves.”
In addition to cultural immersion, students practiced budgeting and responsibility by raising a portion of the trip cost themselves through babysitting, yard work, and other small jobs in their communities. The school also subsidized part of the cost to help ensure that all students could participate.
Princeton Montessori’s biannual Spain trip has become a cherished tradition, anticipated by students as early as fifth grade. The immersive experience is designed to help students become comfortable with travel and independence before high school and beyond.
“The best part was living with a family,” said one eighth-grade student. “They welcomed us like we were their own kids, and we got to practice speaking Spanish every day.”
Princeton Montessori School continues to emphasize real-world experiences as a critical part of adolescent development. The next international middle school trip is scheduled for spring 2027. 
