This was the third year students from Vigo, Spain came to North Reading in July to stay with host families. Four students came and were warmly welcomed into the Intravaia, Tayas, Vasquez, and Harrington homes. The program is coordinated by Amy St. Arnaud, Spanish Teacher, and emphasizes inclusion. This is a wonderful way for the Spanish students to assimilate into an American home and the American hosts to make a life-long friend and learn more about Spanish culture….possibly travel to Spain too!
Speaking of life-long friends each host from last year saw there exchange student this year! Lisa Coroa-Bockley, host mom, visited Anita and her family in Spain and Jake Intorcio, Mikayla Sweeney and Val Intravaia spent a whole month with Miguel, Blanca and Maca! Miguel, Blanca and Maca came to visit their host families from last year and spent two weeks in North Reading. They enjoyed World Cup parties, visiting friends from NRHS and enjoying their American lifestyle. The Intoricios and the Intravaia’s hosted BBQ’s for last year’s hosts and students along with this year’s, so the two groups got to meet and enjoy each other’s company. After two weeks of fun in North Reading, NRHS students Jake, Mikalya and Val went to Vigo, Spain to meet Miguel, Blanca and Maca’s families and experience Spanish life.
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Each year, the students from Spain along with their American hosts enjoy day trips into Boston, Canobie Lake Park, Shopping at Patriot’s Place and Wrentham Outlets, just to name a few. Lots of BBQ’s, pool parties, and family vacations are also included!
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The Intravaia family hosted Blanca last year and Manuel this year. Host mom Karen said, We were so happy to have Manuel and Blanca stay with us this summer. It is a great experience and would encourage anyone to participate. We know we have made some friends for life! It was also great to meet other families in North Reading.” Anna Tayas, host sister to Rosi said, “This summer I volunteered to do the summer exchange program. Before Rosi came, I was very nervous but as soon as she came I knew we would get along perfectly. This summer Rosi and I did so many fun and great things with the other students and also by ourselves. It was such a great experience having her and we became so close. I still stay in touch with Rosi daily and we remain very close.
If you would like to learn more about hosting a student from Spain next summer, contact Amy St. Arnaud at amystarnaud@gmail.com
