Nipmuc Regional High School Welcomes Spanish Exchange Students from León, Spain

Visiting students from Spain and their counterparts from Nipmuc Regional High School gathered for a welcome breakfast at the high school as part of the school’s Spanish Exchange Program. (Photo Courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District)

MENDON — Nipmuc Regional High School is proud to welcome 21 students from La Divina Pastora School in León, Spain, as part of its annual Spanish Exchange Program. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 1, Mendon and Upton families are opening their homes to host the visiting students, offering them a firsthand experience of life in the United States. In the spring, Nipmuc students will travel to Spain to continue the exchange.

Now in its fourth year, the program provides a powerful learning experience for students, fostering cultural understanding, global citizenship, and real-world opportunities to strengthen Spanish-language fluency.

“Hosting and participating in the exchange have taught me the importance of culture and allowed me to build lifelong friendships,” said senior Madelyn Weibe. “My favorite part has been showing students from Spain what life is like in the United States — especially at Nipmuc.”

During their stay in Massachusetts, visiting students shadow their Nipmuc host students in classes, immersing themselves in the social life, participating in school events, and cheering on teams at athletic games. Beyond the classroom, the Spanish students will also explore New England culture through trips to Wojcik’s Farm, Pinz Bowling, Salem, and Gillette Stadium.

Ana Soto, Spanish teacher and coordinator of the exchange, has witnessed the program’s impact year after year.

“We often see how dramatically fluency improves after students host and, especially, after they return from Spain,” said Soto. “It’s incredible to see students who may have been hesitant to speak come back confidently communicating in Spanish.”

World Language Department Chairperson Tricia Moloney agrees.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the Spanish Exchange Program transforms our students — broadening their perspectives, strengthening their language skills, and fostering lifelong connections. This experience not only enriches their education but also deepens their appreciation for culture and community.”

The Spanish Exchange Program builds on the district’s long-standing Spanish Immersion Program, which began in 1997. Starting in kindergarten, immersion students spend their day learning 100% in Spanish, transitioning to a 50% Spanish, 50% English model by fifth grade. Many continue their study of the Spanish language and culture through high school, where courses are also designed with immersion principles in mind.

“For our immersion students, the exchange provides a powerful opportunity to use their fluency in meaningful ways,” noted Moloney. “It’s an authentic experience that promotes cultural awareness and global citizenship.”

District leaders also celebrated the program and the community effort behind it.

“Our students, teachers, and host families have gone above and beyond to make our visiting students feel at home,” said Mary Anne Moran, co-principal at Nipmuc. “It’s inspiring to see the connections being made and the friendships that grow out of this experience.”

“The exchange is a powerful learning experience for all of our students,” added Co-Principal John Clements. “It provides real-world opportunities to build fluency, confidence, and global awareness — skills that will benefit our students long after high school.”

Superintendent Dr. Maureen Cohen highlighted the broader impact of the district’s world language programs.

“We are proud of the Spanish Exchange and Immersion Programs and the unique opportunities they provide,” said Cohen. “The chance to study abroad and to host students from Spain is an experience that stays with our students, educators, and families for a lifetime. We are deeply appreciative of our partner school, La Divina Pastora, and the Nipmuc community for their dedication to this outstanding program.”

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