The Grade 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Spanish students of Cayman International School (CIS) took a break from traditional classroom learning to explore the benefits of a second language in the work place. On Monday, September 08, the students, along with their IB Spanish teacher, John White (Senor Blanco) visited the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. The field trip involved a tour around the hotel and an insightful discussion with the General Manager, Enrique Tasende, on the importance of language skills.

As the students toured the facilities, Mr. Tasende spoke with them about aspects of the Hospitality Industry. The students were then taken to a Conference room for a presentation by Mr. Tasende on how fluency in another language can improve your career opportunities. It included information about other Marriott chain hotels that he, Mr. Tasende, has worked at and how knowing another language has helped him. He also introduced the students to employees of the hotel from countries around the world and the languages they could speak.

For the duration of the field trip, the students, their teacher, and Mr. Tasende only communicated in Spanish. One of the students won a gift certificate for two to Sunday Brunch at The Marriott’s restaurant for his knowledge of the Spanish vocabulary. Mr. Tasende expressed to the students that once they learn a second language, it becomes easier to pick up on other languages as well. At the end of the presentation, the students were left with three tips: One, use the language as much as possible to maintain fluency; Two, do not worry about the “versions” of the language, in this case Spanish, as over time they will understand it; Three, to always listen to their teacher, Senor Blanco.

The IB Spanish students had an amazing time at the Marriott and want to thank Mr. Tasende for the insightful experience. Senor Blanco encourages others to take the time to learn a second language and to start children off at an early age to learn one.