Eighteen students arrived with their host Dominican families on early on Saturday morning with their three teachers , Dona Encarna , Don Antonio and Dona Lili .

The weekend was spent helping the Spanish students adjust to their families with many having the opportunity to visit local attractions such as The Giant’s Causeway.
A real highlight on Saturday night was a chance to see the final performance of The 2010 School Show: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

This is the eighth year that Dominican has be visited their exchange school, I.E.S. María Zambrano in the sea side town of Torre del Mar, about 30 minutes outside Málaga. The visit to Northern Ireland follows on from the Dominican Visit to Torre Del Mar last October.

On Monday the pupils will spend a very chilly Monday morning taking part in a Science Treasure Hunt the day in the University as well as dabbling in the creative and expressive area of the curriculum with music and Irish dancing. Pupils will also take the time to learn about the History and culture of Northern Ireland .

On Tuesday the Spanish will travel to The Ulster Museum to visit amongst other things artefacts from the Spanish Armada. Some time will also be allocated to visiting Belfast city centre.

On Wednesday there will be an ambitious visit for both the Spanish students and their Dominican hosts to Dublin taking in highlights such as Dublin Castle, The Book of Kells, O’Connell St and some “retail therapy” in Grafton St.

On Thursday the group will visit the attractions local Causeway Coast.Thursday night will be spent in the Oriental restaurant courtesy of Mr and Mrs McAlpin of The Ramore.
On Friday the group will leave Dominican just after morning Assembly and will conclude their tour with a visit to Glenariff Forest.