Experiential Learning in Barcelona: Sustainable Tourism and Travel Psychology in Practice

Intermediate English (B1+) required

Description

The course takes a contemporary approach to travel and the discovery of a new environment, introducing participants to Experiential Travel, as well as Environmental and Tourism Psychology through experiencing the city of Barcelona in a dynamic way. 

By bringing our attention, memory, perception, movement, and feelings to key aspects of the city, participants will learn how experiencing an environment in an unusual way can be a great tool to maintain their students’ attention and to stimulate their motivation and interest in learning. 

Each lesson includes a theoretical section (slides, case presentation, talk) and a practical section (group exercises, personal activities). 

Participants will be involved in an active learning process, focusing on personal experience and self-expression, and combining cognitive and emotional elements. In this way, the learning process is made easier and the course content is better retained by the participants.

Concept by Marta Mandolini

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Participate in a contemporary approach to travel programming while discovering a new environment;
• Design an appropriate travel program/lessons to facilitate students’ attention, memory, perception, movement and feelings towards new experiences, both abroad and at home;
• Discover how experiential travel can be a strong resource to integrate the objectives of your school into the right travel experience;
• Become aware of the positive effects of a personal and real tourist experience from a holistic/well-being perspective.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Introduction to Environmental and Tourism Psychology, Eco Psychology and their relevance in our professions.

Introduction to Environmental and Tourism Psychology and Eco Psychology

• Why are they relevant for teachers?
• Case studies and individual practical activities.

Day 2 – Introduction to Sustainable Tourism and Experiential Travel

• Why are they relevant for teachers?
• Introduction to Touring your home town.

Day 3 – Hands on work!  Let’s make Experimental Barcelona!

• Discovering the city through intuitive “alternating travel” (city centre, touristic districts).

Day 4 – Hands on work!  Let’s make Experimental Barcelona! 

•  Discovering the city through meeting residents and workers! (typical district Gracia).

Day 5 – Hands on work!  Let’s make Experimental Barcelona! 

• Discovering an environment through Eco Psychology (Horta Labirynth).  

Day 6 – Course closure

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.