Receiving a Gold on his Level 4 exam during his junior year was just the start of being able to take a trip to Spain for Connor Jones (12).

After many tasks, Jones was selected into the finalist pool and then picked as one of the 24 students in the United States who was able to go on a fully paid trip to Spain from June 10-20.

“…I was selected by the Spanish teachers,” said Jones. “After submitting essays, a video, recommendations, and other academic information, I made the finalist list.”

There were many preparations before Jones went to Spain, but he was even preparing himself while he was there.

“I was required to watch Spanish videos about Madrid’s Metro (public transit) and the Euro,” said Jones. “These were two preliminary lessons, and once in Spain, we had a new one every day.”

Jones stayed busy during his 10 days overseas including lessons taught by Spanish professors, visiting cities (Toledo and Segovia), and going to museums and monuments like the La Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) and the Escorial monastery.

“My overall takeaway from the trip was a desire to see more of the world, meet more different people, and learn to speak Spanish (and hopefully other languages) better,” Jones said.