Published in the July 27, 2017 edition
North Reading families welcomed new friends from Spain to spend a month with them this summer. (L-R) Nicole Casaletto, Samantha Mirasolo, Ana Martín González, Casandra Mirasolo, Jackie Cadena, Zoe Kennedy, Ruth Vidal Otero, Pablo Cousiño Estevez, and Pepe Cerdeira Souto. (Courtesy Photo).
By BILL LAFORME
NORTH READING – For the past five years, host families in North Reading have welcomed students from Spain for month-long visits where they immerse themselves in the details of day to day American life. Three of students stayed in North Reading, out of a group of eight that traveled to the area from northern Spain.
In a conversation this week with the Transcript, Amy St. Arnaud, the Spanish Department chair at North Reading High School, recalled how the students came to town in late June, soon after the end of the school year, and they returned home on July 22. Instead of attending classes, these students were more focused on experiencing daily life in America, said St. Arnaud, adding that they also enjoyed many outings throughout the Boston area. During their time in the area this summer, the Spanish students reportedly enjoyed day trips to Rockport, Ogunquit and Boston, plus laser tag, Canobie Lake, and more. Another host mom, Rosa Cadena, reportedly organized a visit to Endicott College, where she works.
Still, St. Arnaud emphasized that the focus of the exchange program is for students to experience daily life in America and use their English skills, not to be over-stimulated with day trips. The students typically went out as a group a couple of times a week to explore the area.
The bonds formed between the students and their families are reportedly strong. Since the program’s inception in North Reading, said St. Arnaud, a handful of the students have come back to the area and visited with their former host families. Some of the host family members have also reportedly stopped to visit the students and their families while traveling in Europe.
For the host families, St. Arnaud called it an “international experience without leaving your house,” adding that her family had hosted a student for a time this year.
Looking ahead to next year, St. Arnaud said that prospective host families are always welcome, and that hosts in the past have also been single moms and people without children. “As long as you’re nice and welcoming, you’re the perfect host family,” said St. Arnaud.
Families that may be interested in hosting a student from Spain next year can email St. Arnaud at astarnaud@nrpsk12.org
