This September, we once again welcomed New Link Education students from Vigo to Derry as part of the Vigo en Inglés Programme. For 3 weeks, the group will have a cultural immersion in Derry: they will stay in local homestays, attend English Language classes, and have a high school immersion at local secondary schools in weeks 2 and 3. There is also a busy and engaging social programme, including excursions at the weekends to local places of interest. The students are aged 14-15 years old. For many of them, it will be their first time in an English-speaking destination.

Week 1

During week 1, we focused on getting the students settled into Derry life. This is called “Orientation week”. The students got to know their host families and familiarize themselves with the local transport system. Many students have to get the bus to English class each day, and it is one of the first challenges for them in a new city!

The first excursion was to The Giants Causeway and Causeway Coast.

Week 2

On Monday, it was the first day at the local secondary schools for our Vigo students! The first morning was filled with mixed emotions – the students were feeling nervous and excited!

However, they didn’t need to worry because local students from each school made them feel so welcome and at ease on their first day! They are great ambassadors for their school and our city.

There are 4 schools involved in this first project: St Joseph’s Boys School, Foyle College, St Mary’s College and Lisneal College

During the rest of the week, the group got involved in European Day of Languages at high school, as well as an Irish Ceili Dancing night, a city cathedral tour and TikTok challenges. They finished the week off with an excursion to Belfast.

Looking forward to see what week 3 will bring!