Six students from InFocus College have safely returned home after an unforgettable, life-changing adventure in Gran Canaria – made possible thanks to the generous and continued support of our friends at Eat That Frog, who invited us to stay on their banana plantation for the third year running.
Spending nearly a month away from their usual routines, our students immersed themselves in the sights, sounds and sunshine of the Canary Islands. From swimming in the sea and sampling local delicacies, to exploring bustling cities and quiet mountain towns, the trip was packed with opportunities to experience something new.
And while the sun certainly helped, this was far more than just a holiday.
The trip provided a powerful and practical extension of our specialist curriculum, giving students the chance to apply their learning in a real-world setting. Whether it was making daily choices about meals and activities, navigating new environments, or practising social skills with locals and each other, every moment brought a chance to grow.
Here are just a few highlights from the trip:
- Chocolate con churros for breakfast followed by Spanish lessons with teacher Rosi, who was blown away by the students’ enthusiasm and knowledge.
- A day in the capital city, Las Palmas – complete with a Mexican feast and seaside stroll.
- A very special birthday celebration for Ashleigh, complete with party games, DJ set and cake!
- Exploring the beautiful mountain town of Teror and sipping the local treat leche leche (coffee with condensed milk).
- Visiting Europe’s only coffee plantation, where students roasted their own beans and tucked into a feast of Canarian dishes.
- A karaoke session to remember and a walk through the dramatic sand dunes of Maspalomas.
Of course, there were challenges too – being away from home, adjusting to a new rhythm, and for staff, managing waking nights. But these moments only added to the sense of achievement and pride. The kindness, patience and determination shown by both staff and students was truly inspiring.
We’re so proud of what each student has accomplished on this trip – not just the big things like travelling abroad or learning a new language, but the quieter wins: increased confidence, new friendships, greater independence, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Thank you again to Eat That Frog for making this experience possible – and to our amazing staff team for their dedication and support throughout.
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