Starting Feb. 3, Piedmont and Millennium High School became 21 students larger. Exchange students from Spain are temporarily joining the Piedmont community. Each student will shadow their exchange partner, usually a member of their host family, and observe the school for 12 days. In April, students from Piedmont will stay with the family of the student that they hosted.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn about other cultures, for Spanish students to practice their English, and for American students to practice their Spanish and to immerse in the culture,” PHS Spanish teacher Deysi Sahagon said.
The program, which is taking place for the first time in 10 years, allows Spanish-speaking students to improve their English and learn about American cultures while also experiencing the American high school lifestyle.
“They say it’s like the movies,” Sahagon said.
Sahagon said she started planning this trip in October 2024 by meeting with the Forum institution to discuss the possibility of the trip. Further planning has included matching exchange students to Piedmont families, meeting with the PHS Superintendent and school board to get approval, and communicating with teachers from the IES Mendiño school district.
Exchange student Cecelia Gonzàlez Lago, who is from Galicia, Spain, said she sees a difference in school etiquette.
“It’s definitely different, in Spain, we can’t eat or drink in class, and aren’t allowed our phones at all. It’s peaceful and calm here [in Piedmont],” Lago said.
Lago’s partner, MHS senior Grace Rego said her family has enjoyed hosting an exchange student.
“My mom said it’s like having a second daughter,” Rego said.
