NSHS Hosts 19 Exchange Students from Alicante
Article and photos by Shelly Newman

Under the direction of Dr. Ellen Shields, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Director, 19 exchange students from IES Playa San Juan near the city of Alicante on the Costa Blanca in Spain lived with North Shore families and happily attended North Shore High School from September 10th through the 30th. Upon their arrival, the Spanish students expressed that, “They felt nervous to come to America,” but as they said farewell to their friends and individual families; they all agreed, “It was “a great experience.”   

While in New York, the students engaged in many educational and enjoyable activities and events. These included: Day trips to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Central Park, nights at the theatre to see Broadway Shows including “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins,” or “The Heights,” and popular athletic events including the Yankees, Islanders and Jets! On Long Island, students also visited Jones Beach, Montauk and Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt in Oyster Bay. 

Upon their departure, the exchange students felt saddened to leave the North Shore so soon. They said, “The best part was their American friends.” They added, “All of the teachers were so caring and warm towards them.” Safe travels and best of luck to our new Spanish friends, we hope to see you again.