From Oct. 6 through Oct. 25, 32 high school students from Palencia, Spain lived with PHS students and their families in a cultural exchange program. They accompanied their host students to class and spent time learning about life with American families.
They began their experience with a bus tour of Parsippany, with Mr. Ron Foreso as their guide. Later that evening, they and their host families joined Superintendent Dr. LeRoy Seitz, Board of Education member Mr. Gary Martin, PHS principal Ms. Natalie Betz and Parsippany Mayor James Barberio for an informal welcoming dinner where the students and their American host families sampled typical American foods.

 

In addition to observing classes, the visiting students and teachers also spent two full days touring New York City and one day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. They went to Washington, D.C. one weekend where they were afforded tours of the Capitol Building, compliments of Senator Frank Lautenberg’s office. Back in New Jersey, they also saw Willowbrook Mall and were formally welcomed by Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who issued a proclamation declaring October 12 Parsippany Cultural Exchange Day. During the two and a half weeks of their stay, the visitors were also given special seminars on American culture by PHS teachers who volunteered their time and efforts. Mrs. Christine Mortenson taught them about American literature, Mrs. Vicky Collado showed them how to make a favorite American dish, and Ms. Kerri Pero explained about American art. The group also heard about American music from Mr. Greg Dalakian, the Spanish American War from  Mr. Jeremy Chaudruc and the influence of English on Spanish from Ms. Susana Plotquin and Mr. Jay Duhl.

 

The exchange students and their “adopted families” became so close, that the departure for the airport on Oct. 25 proved to be quite emotional. Amidst the tears and the farewells, both the Americans and the Spaniards promised to maintain communication and to revisit each other’s homes and schools.
According to Mr. Jay Duhl, who along with Ms. Rosebella Lopes coordinated the exchange program, the experience was not limited to the Spaniards. “This was an educational event for the PHS students as well as the Palencia visitors,” said Mr. Duhl. “It was not only an opportunity for the 32 American students and families to get to know intimately someone from another country and culture, but it also allowed our entire student body a chance to interact with students their own age who happen to be from abroad, and to discover how much they have in common.” Mr. Duhl added that he hopes to enrich the lives of more students by continuing the exchange program in the future.

Palencia is a small city in north central Spain, which is the capital of its province. It is surrounded by historical landmarks spanning from pre-Roman times to medieval castles and modern industry and agriculture. This event marked the fifth time that Parsippany and Palencia students have exchanged visits.