Students had the opportunity to make friendships from across the globe as they helped Spaniards accustom themselves to life in America.

The students came from Soria, Spain and from Sept. 8-18 were hosted by students in the Spanish exchange program.

“The Spaniards had the experience of living in the American household. They got to see what an American school is like. It is very different from theirs and they also got to see the best of the city of Chicago,” Spanish exchange program adviser Susan Junkroski said.

Numerous hosts planned activities to make the Spaniards stay enjoyable.

Junior Jorge Blanco hosted student Martin Hijar Jimenez.

“We went to Chicago a lot of times. I took Martin paintballing,” Blanco said.

Many hosts learned that their Spanish exchange student shared the same hobbies as them.

Junior Daniela Ballines hosted student Elena De Pedro.

“We went shopping together because we both loved shopping which was perfect for us. We also went to some bonfires and went to a volleyball game which she loved cheering on,” Ballines said.

With hosting someone from another country, the hosts needed to prepare to make the best for the student.

“I knew someone new was coming to my house so I let her have my room. Emotionally I was calm but also nervous with happiness at the same time,” Ballines said.

Students from Spain saw the differences between Spain and America.

“Everything is completely different like the school. There are lots of different classes. I like everything in America,” Jimenez said.

Some differences included having after school clubs and sports as well as electives.

Advisers from Soria, Laura Vidal and Fernando Boillos, experienced a new culture along with the students.

“I feel like the students came here because they love being with people their own age and get to experience a new culture,” Vidal said.

The Spaniards had no trouble accepting a new culture.

“I love how easy going the Spaniards are and they are willing to accept our culture and do what we want to do,” senior host Grace Kelley said.

As the Spaniards became a part of the host’s life it was hard to say goodbye.

“It is an an amazing experience. You have someone by you that is your age and can relate to you. Also, at the beginning it is such an amazing feeling like you’re already a part of her. But saying goodbye is a very sad moment and it’s like a part of you is leaving,” Ballines said.

However, the hosts will keep in touch with their student.

“The students get to keep in touch on social media. All of our hosts are friends with each other on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. Everybody has downloaded Whatsapp and are using that to communicate,” Junkroski said.

Having the Spanish exchange program is crucial in order to learn a new language.

“It lets our students know and the students from the other place know that their language skills are very practical. It also lets us be friends with other nations because our world is always mad at one another. It makes us have a friend someplace else,” Junkroski said.