From Catalonia to the Chesapeake

11/21/2024

Severn welcomed students from the San Estanislao de Kostka School in Barcelona as part of the Spanish Exchange Program.

This November, Severn's Upper School transformed into a vibrant cultural crossroads as Spanish exchange students from the San Estanislao de Kostka School in Barcelona visited to immerse themselves in American life.

Guided by Spanish Exchange Program Lead and Upper School Spanish teacher Mercedes Gonzalez-Marrow, this initiative aims to build meaningful international bonds and provide a rich learning landscape through cultural immersion and focused Spanish speaking with native speakers.

"The total immersion and trust between students is the most unique part of this program," said Gonzalez-Marrow. "It is a major commitment to a student's desire to learn and grow."

Being a Host

The Spanish Exchange Program at Severn allows participating students and their families the unique opportunity to host a SEK student during their visit to the school. Together, they participated in many planned activities, such as pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, attending classes, or simply learning about each other.

Host families also provided plenty of spontaneous entertainment. Visits to American fast-food joints, NFL games, and boating were popular. Several SEK students were especially interested in the presidential election and asked their hosts many questions about American politics.

"I hosted a student named Sam Bauza," said Finn Freas '26. "We talked soccer, tried a lot of different American food, and went to a Commanders game. I loved spending time with him."

Severn students found themselves venturing out of their language comfort zone during classes with SEK students. Gonzalez-Marrow imposed a strict Spanish-only rule that meant complete immersion in speaking and listening to the language. Access to native speakers who were also peers provided students with valuable insight into pronunciation, grammar, and conversational phrases.

This exchange of languages provided context for students' understanding of how to learn a new language. It also allowed them to be vulnerable with each other. Creating an atmosphere where mistakes are expected gave both sets of students the comfort of knowing they can take the time to learn at their own pace. As such, every student who participated benefited from the experience.

"I definitely improved my Spanish speaking skills," said Freas. "I learned a lot more about Spanish culture and was especially surprised by the differences in their education system."

SEK and Severn students also took time to travel together. Led by Gonzalez-Marrow, students traveled to Washington, D.C., to explore the monuments and museums in the nation's capital. They also visited Annapolis, learning about the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and experiencing the charm of a colonially established American city.

The Exchange

For the students who hosted, this is just the first half of their exchange program adventure. In March, they will travel to Barcelona to stay with their respective host families for their own taste of genuine cultural immersion.

Severn students will have opportunities to explore Barcelona and the medieval town of Girona, learn about Antonio Baudi's art, and learn about coastal life in Spain. Everything they do, from guided tours to ordering in restaurants, will be done in Spanish.

"It will be difficult for our students when they go over," said Gonzalez-Marrow. "They will experience a steep but rewarding learning curve. They will come back with more confidence to speak Spanish than they ever knew they could have."

One of the primary objectives of the Spanish Exchange Program is to instill the confidence required to speak a second language. Another important aspect of the program is allowing students to meet international peers and build a foundation for future multicultural connections.

"Last year, a parent whose child participated in the program came to me and told me their daughter and the student their family hosted are now studying medicine together in Seattle," said Gonzalez-Marrow. "They have developed that lasting relationship that I find so integral to this program's success."

As students broaden their linguistic and cultural horizons, the Spanish Exchange Program at Severn illustrates the profound impact of immersing young minds in new environments. These experiences bolster language proficiency and foster lifelong friendships and cross-cultural respect. With each exchange, participants plant the seeds of global citizenship and understanding, nurturing connections that may continue to grow well beyond their high school years.

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Interested in having your Admiral participate in the Spanish Exchange Program? Reach out to Program Coordinator Mercedes Gonzalez-Marrow to learn more and find out when sign-ups for next year will be!

m.gonzalezmarrow@severnschool.com

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