Trading Paella for Bagels: CHHS and Colegio San Rafael's Spanish Exchange Program

Croton-Harmom High School has partnered with Colegio San Rafael in Northern Spain to create a 10-day exchange program for our students. The program was spearheaded by CHHS Spanish teacher, Montserrat Ballina-Llosa and designed to allow students to practice and improve their language skills, stay with local families, and participate in daily life and structured cultural and learning experiences.

On their first day at CHHS, the exchange students commented that walking into the high school looked like what they had seen on television and in the movies. They attend classes and have noticed many differences including how students dress and the freedoms they are trusted with (leaving school for lunch and having their phones with them). In Spain, the students wear uniforms and were intrigued by the different outfits planned for Spirit Week.

The exchange students connected with their host families on social media before arriving, and have formed special connections. Google Translate is always there as backup, but Junior Liv Kuber shared that she was pleasantly surprised by her ability to communicate with Carmen. 

Fernando Amandi Medio traveled with his students and gushed about the warm welcome and hospitality they had all received in Croton. He was thrilled to share that some students have expressed how comfortable they feel with their host families, saying things like, “Her mom is just like my mom!” 

During their visit to PVC, they all had the chance to meet Duchess and experience the benefits of a school service dog. Mr. Amandi Medio has already shared photos with his fellow teachers in Spain and is excited to bring this program home with him.

In addition to some trips to NYC (they couldn't believe the views from the Top of the Rock), the students have visited many Croton spots including the Dam, Capriccios, and The Blue Pig. On Friday, the families hosted a potluck dinner at CHHS with tons of food made with love.

Shopping is an important part of any good trip and an exchange program is no different. Some of the girls have exchanged beauty tips and picked up new products to take home. Everyone is stocking up on their favorite American treats, especially Reeses.

Tomorrow, our host students will say, “hasta luego” until next February, when they travel to Spain and stay with their new Spanish friends and complete the exchange!