If you think the adventure starts when the plane wheels take off towards the destination, you're wrong 👀. The real journey begins the precise instant you open the acceptance letter.
Madrid Xplora It’s not just an expedition; it’s a prior commitment to your fellow participants, to learning, and to the organisations that fund this opportunity through the 100% programme. And the 20 mentors from the first cohort who experienced the adventure in Egypt will tell you this in no uncertain terms: the journey starts long before takeoff. The preceding months and, especially, the Institutional Week they are the true pillar upon which the expedition is built, the team is forged and the magnitude of the opportunity received is understood.
😱 The surprise (and butterflies in the stomach) after the selection
Upon receiving the news, the group's initial reaction was a mixture of shock, disbelief, nervousness and absolute happiness. Many confessed that they did not fully process the adventure until they saw each other face to face.
“I was absolutely buzzing when I got the shortlist email. Until we were all at the airport, it didn't sink in that WE WERE GOING TO EGYPT.”
Amaya Gómez – Xplorer Egypt 2026
🏛️ Disconnecting to connect: From 20 strangers to a family
That is where the Institutional Week acquires its first major meaning: break the ice and pull together. Prior activities such as the visit to the interactive Cleopatra exhibition at Matadero Madrid, accompanied by Egypt expert Rubén Villalobos, or the first informal get-togethers allowed 20 young people from completely different backgrounds to start transforming into a united team before crossing the border.
“We were called to the Temple of Debod and given an envelope. When I opened it and saw that I'd been selected, I was blown away. Activities like Matadero with Rubén Villalobos helped to calm the nerves and bond as a group. Without that week, the trip wouldn't have been the same.”
Adriana Sánchez – Xploradora Egypt 2026
🎒 Learning with real impact: Visits that make a difference
Each expedition is a unique and unrepeatable adventure. Institutional Week adapts and tailors its activities, visits and learning experiences to suit the destination of each edition. During those days, the Xploradores enjoyed unique experiences thanks to the sponsors who make the free 100% scholarship possible. For example, the activities the children took part in before flying to Egypt included:
- Health and prevention with Quirónsalud: Practical training on medical guidelines for travelling abroad and a human lesson on health.
- Social commitment to Recover Foundation: An indispensable, solidarity-driven perspective on the reality of healthcare in Africa.
- Science and history with the Spanish National Research Council and the Spanish Geographical Society: Project Direct Discovery Djehuty with the archaeologist José Manuel Galán and exploration curiosities at the SGE.
- Group vision in the Assembly of Madrid: Institutional meeting and reception with the President of the Community of Madrid, experiencing first-hand the value of youth endeavour.
- Media at the headquarters of Brand: Immersion in the sports newspaper newsroom and its radio recording studios.
“At the Marca newspaper I was thrilled to see how they worked and I even found out about a piece of news before it came out. And meeting the president in person motivated us to keep pushing ourselves. Without that support, this trip wouldn't exist.”
Nicolás Benito – Egypt Explorer 2026
🤝 Why prior commitment is non-negotiable
A full expedition scholarship demands a response of an equally high standard from applicants. Attending events, abiding by codes of conduct, showing punctuality and participating actively are the ways to reciprocate the trust placed by the institutions and sponsoring companies.
“This adventure doesn't come out of nowhere; the week leading up to it is a major pillar and your active participation in the events is essential to show that we value the scholarship.”
Eva Babiano – Xploradora Egypt 2026
💥 In short: your moment has arrived!
If you are going to submit your proposal, do so knowing that we will be looking for something more than just good work: we will look for your attitude, your commitment and your desire to lead the legacy.