The walls of Westminster have expanded to the European country of Spain, as eleven Spanish students from Colegio Alfa & Omega spent two weeks attending classes.  On September 18th after a long day of travel, the students were welcomed by their host families to begin their American adventure..

To give the visitors insight on American athletics, they attended the Westminster football game against Lutheran South.  The game was a completely new experience for the students because they are used to the 90 minute game of fútbol, or soccer.  To add to the American sports experience, the group travelled downtown to witness a St. Louis Cardinals win over the Cincinnati Reds.  Although baseball is not nearly as popular in Spain, the students were able to follow the game well due to their experience playing kickball at recess back home.

“It was so fun to show my student around the city and to give them an insight into life in America,” said Avery Iven, senior.

However, their trip was not all fun and games, they participated in a full day of classes at Westminster.  Each student had a different schedule for the school day, and the classes were all taught in English, except for Spanish class. This two week opportunity allowed the students to improve their English and learn about American culture.

This exchange program coordinates with the summer seminar trip to Dénia, Spain.  This summer, twenty-two students participated in the summer exchange program to Colegio Alfa & Omega.

“The Spain trip was very beneficial in expanding my knowledge of the language and Spanish culture,” said Madalyn Trost, junior.

In the same way, the students who attended Westminster this fall strengthened their English, which will help them in their future because many people are fluent in both Spanish and English in Spain.