¿Quién quiere vivir en un internado? Original article by J. A. Aunión
Published on September 4, 2023
Image: James Rajotte
In a recent feature article in El País, the perceptions and realities of contemporary boarding schools for primary, secondary, and high school students in Spain were explored. Despite a declining trend in boarding school enrolments in various parts of the country due to the impact of the pandemic, over 13,000 adolescents still choose to spend their academic years in these institutions. Interestingly, some students assert that they’ve made a conscious choice to be there. But what exactly are these 21st-century boarding schools like, and who sends their children there?
Boarding
Boarding schools come in various forms: public, private, and religious; single-sex and coeducational; catering to local or international students. However, they continue to fulfil two fundamental purposes they have offered for generations: serving as a last resort for parents struggling to guide their children and providing a home away from home for those who do not have their desired school nearby.
While the landscape of boarding schools has evolved significantly over the years, with fewer remote and isolated institutions compared to the 1980s, families still seek out what they consider the best education for their children—whether it’s based on values, educational models, sports offerings, or a peer group destined to shape future leaders.
Sotogrande International School & Jason Floyd Golf Academy
One illustrative example is Sotogrande International School in the province of Cádiz, a prestigious institution offering a paradise of extracurricular activities. Students from around the world converge here, driven not by parental neglect but by their own desire to be part of this unique experience.
The students at Sotogrande International School can choose from a wide array of extracurricular activities, including bespoke golf programmes for elite junior players offered through the Jason Floyd Golf Academy, situated nearby at The San Roque Club. These advanced golf programmes cater to both boys and girls aspiring to secure sports scholarships for university studies in the United States and potentially enter the professional circuit.
Image: James Rajotte
Diverse Opportunities
What sets boarding schools like Sotogrande apart is the diverse range of opportunities they offer, coupled with the chance to live and learn alongside peers from various corners of the globe. The students at these institutions are fully aware of their privileged status in the world and are encouraged to engage in activities that raise awareness and promote volunteering, as they recognise that their privileged position comes with responsibilities.
Many students appreciate the structure and independence that boarding schools provide. They must wash their clothes themselves, a small but significant step towards maturity and self-reliance. Ana Carina, a 17-year-old student from the Netherlands studying at Sotogrande, emphasises the importance of this independence: “Having this order is good. Without it, and with our parents far away, we wouldn’t be able to take care of ourselves because we’re not fully functioning adults yet.”
While some students, like Ana, actively choose to attend boarding school, others might be there due to varying circumstances. Regardless of their reasons for being there, these institutions often become the backdrop for lasting friendships and transformative experiences.
In the case of Muga de Sayago, a small town in Zamora, their boarding school experience is remarkably different. This institution, which initially catered to underprivileged local youth, now offers an enriching environment to adolescents from diverse backgrounds. Students at Muga de Sayago also actively participate in various chores, from cleaning dormitories to serving meals.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of boarding schools, lies in their ability to evolve and adapt to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of students and their families. These schools strive to provide an enriching environment where students can mature academically and personally, irrespective of their initial motivations for enrolling.
In the case of the Peleteiro school in Santiago de Compostela, which accommodates 44 of its 1,400 students as boarders, the emphasis is on striking a balance between academics and personal growth. Here, students often return home for weekends, strengthening their family bonds and allowing parents to make the necessary sacrifices for their children’s education.
Whether it’s Sotogrande’s international flavor, Muga de Sayago’s commitment to community, or Peleteiro’s focus on academic excellence, boarding schools continue to serve as a valuable choice for students and their families in Spain. Despite evolving perceptions, these institutions thrive because they provide a unique and transformative educational experience that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those who attend.
In conclusion, the Jason Floyd Golf Academy and Sotogrande International School, as featured in El País, offer a glimpse into the diversity and complexity of contemporary boarding schools in Spain. These institutions, each with its own distinctive character and offerings, play a crucial role in shaping the educational experiences of students and preparing them for a bright future.
To read the original article featured in El País, click here.
