The first leg of the 2025-26 Spanish Exchange program began on Wednesday, October 8th, when twenty Spanish students from IES San Fernando in Madrid arrived in New York, eager to greet their new exchange partners from SHS. While most pairs had already spoken over text or WhatsApp, students from both schools were still both anxious and excited to finally meet each other in person. 

The program was pulled together by SHS Global Opportunities Coordinator Heather Waters. A description and application was sent out last spring, limited to students in–previously or currently–the Spanish program. Applicants had to answer three questions as to why they were a good fit for the program. Similarly, Spanish students in Madrid had to apply, but instead were chosen by academic performance and character.

Students from Madrid traveled to Scarsdale first. They were understandably nervous to be in a new country and to live in a stranger’s house. Similarly, Scarsdale students had their own nerves to finally meet their new Spanish partner and to have a stranger living in their home. “It is a unique element of this program that we get pushed out of our comfort zone like this…while it’s uncomfortable at first, that feeling disintegrates very quickly,” SHS student Ori Frischer ’28, a participant in the program, remarked.  

As the Spaniards exited their bus, they were instantly bombarded with big hugs and “hellos” from their American partners. For many, it was their first time ever being in the United States. “It was incredible seeing the houses and the town. It looked like the movies!” Spanish exchange student Javi Montellano exclaimed. 

To truly get to know the United States, the entire group took a field trip to Manhattan on Thursday, October 9th. Students explored Grand Central, Times Square, and then went on the Circle Line, a boat ride that takes tourists to the world famous NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty. 

The activities that pairs did during their free time ranged from more city sightseeing to outdoor adventures. Whether it was attending a sports game, trying American foods, or picking apples, the students’ shared experiences were overwhelmingly positive. “I personally loved trying Raising Canes and going to the Knicks game,” Montellano mentioned. 

Another fascinating aspect of this leg was, for the SHS students, the chance to learn about Spanish culture. The Americans loved hearing about popular Spanish slang, TV Shows, and music. “It was so cool to get to know someone from another country, someone I never otherwise would have met. I got to hear about the world from a different perspective, from their eyes,” Frischer explained. 

For the Spaniards as well, experiencing school in the United States proved remarkable. They were surprised by both the similarities and differences to school in Madrid. “People are very focused here, [and] I was surprised to learn there are free periods in SHS,” Montellano commented.

A fun farewell potluck dinner took place on Thursday, October 14th. Heartfelt words were given from teacher chaperones from both IES San Fernando and SHS. Shortly after, Spanish students graciously gave handwritten cards to their host families thanking them for the incredible experience. 

After the first leg concluded on Friday, October 17th, students from both schools found value in this eye-opening program. Currently, they are awaiting for the next part in February, where they will meet again in Spain. Activities for SHS participants will include visiting the Bernabeu, attending a Flamenco show, as well as traveling through Morocco and Portugal. 

The cultural diffusion coupled with the birth of diverse friendships illustrate the impact of the Spanish Exchange. By experiencing seemingly simple aspects of life that Scarsdalians encounter on a daily basis, the Spanish students gained a new perspective of the world. Looking ahead, Scarsdale students are beyond excited to see Madrid from a local’s perspective in February!