Since last August, North Warren has been ‘home’ to Marta Moral from Burgos, Spain. She is being sponsored by our local Rotary Club. Our local rotary, now in its 62nd year, has been involved with the International Youth Exchange Program for many years. Burgos is a city in northern Spain and is the historic capital of Castille. Spotlight is delighted to share an “up close and personal’ interview with this lovely young woman.
Q: What city are you from?
A: It is called Burgos.
**(Burgos, two hours north of Madrid, is known as a center of Spanish tradition.Home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, Burgos was and continues to be an important stop on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has been in existence for over one thousand years and that spans the width of Northern Spain. Burgos is also famous in literature as the birthplace of El Cid. To this day, Burgos retains many of the customs of provincial Spanish life)
A: It is called Burgos.
**(Burgos, two hours north of Madrid, is known as a center of Spanish tradition.Home to one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, Burgos was and continues to be an important stop on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has been in existence for over one thousand years and that spans the width of Northern Spain. Burgos is also famous in literature as the birthplace of El Cid. To this day, Burgos retains many of the customs of provincial Spanish life)
Q: Why were you interested in spending a year in the USA?
A: My older sister (Marta also has a younger brother) spent a summer in Sweden and she loved it! I had enjoyed a tourist visit to California before, but mostly I wanted to visit new places, become part of a community and be bilingual.
Q: Did you have any input regarding the destination?
A: I was given list of over 30 countries. I chose the USA, Canada, and Australia. Yes, all English speaking countries.
Q: Had you already studied English at school in Burgos?
A: Yes. It is mandatory for all students to take English beginning in the 1st grade and continuing until 12th grade. In 7th grade we are permitted to take classes in another language and I chose French. I did complete 4 years but it is a very difficult language due to the challenging vowel and consonant sounds. Now I will just concentrate on English. I think that maybe English is my main language now. (giggle)
Q: When you first arrived in Chestertown how did you feel? Your first observations?
A: I was quite nervous but everyone was very very nice. I smiled often and was very fortunate to have Amelia for my “American sister”. I loved the mountains right away. I also noticed that very few people smoke here. In Spain and all of Europe almost everyone smokes! I am not sure why as we are aware of the health problems.
Q: What else can you share about Spanish schools? Or Burgos?
A: The classes are about the same size as here in North Warren but the school day is a little longer. College is free and that is a good thing. Most students, including myself walk to school every day.
Q: Would you recommend this experience to high school students?
A: YES! Spending time in another country is the best way to truly understand other people. I think it would be most helpful to know at least a little of the language of your host country. Otherwise, you will not be able to make many friends and you may also feel like people are talking about you. This can happen if you do not understand any words. Also to be yourself and SMILE a lot!
Q: What were your American classmates most interested in?
A: (giggle) FOOD!!! What kind of food do people eat in Spain? First, I had to explain that MEXICAN food is NOT SPANISH FOOD! Also, that in Spain we eat much more fish. I have really loved eating meat though at almost every meal here. Sadly, I have gained some weight during my visit...I will miss American brownies and other sweets! :)
Q: Is social media as essential( important) to young people in Spain? Europe?
A: Oh yes! We are very interested in world current events as well as all that is happening in the USA!!!!! Your politics and music. Of course, social media is also important to us.
Q: In the future, what words would you like your classmates to think of when they remember “Marta” ?
A: (pause) outgoing, friendly, brave, natural, basketball player, giraffe, fun
Q: Did your family miss you? Have you missed them?
A: Not at all for me. I have been so busy and so happy there has been no time for missing my Spanish home. My host parents are so wonderful so I have much love in my life. I do know that my parents will surely enjoy my return in a few months. However, it is possible that on April 11 I will miss them, my sister and my brother as it is my 17th birthday!
Q: Have you prepared a Spanish meal for your host family? Maybe some paella?
A: Oh my, no!! But it is on my list of things that I MUST do before leaving. My host family has been so wonderful and kind. They immediately made me feel welcome in their home. Thinking about it now, I think paella would be a perfect dish to make. (a favorite of mine)
- Amy & Tom Fuller are Marta’s host parents
Q: I am sure there is so much to remember but any special memories? Moments?
A: Visiting NYC - the 9/11 memorial and the Statue of Liberty. Also Niagara Falls was amazing. I understand that usually North Warren gets more snow and that would have made skiing more challenging but I am glad that it did not get too cold. Going to Washington D.C. this weekend(4/1-4/3) will definitely be something to always remember. It is exciting and an honor for me to visit America’s special city.
Q: Any regrets?
A: Yes. I really wish that I had kept a blog or a journal. I truly regret this. I did take many many pictures though and will definitely add more following my MOAS Washington D.C. trip. Hopefully, I can add captions to them on the plane trip home….before I forget places, faces and the names of wonderful friends.
Q: I understand that a person is officially 100%bilingual when they “dream” in the language. Has this happened to you??
A: OH MY GOSH!!! YES!! Once very recently I had a dream and my Chestertown friends were in it .We were talking and doing things here!!! Now, that I think about it I guess I have “crossed over into the English world. I made it”
However, I have noticed that my Spanish language skills are a little poorer now and I am a little nervous. I hope I can assist my teacher with translation when we meet the Argentinian ambassador in Washington this weekend.
Q: What has this experience meant to you personally ? What would you like people to know about you and your home?
A: (pause) This experience has taught me to be grateful, independent, and even more open-minded. My English has improved much more than what I had expected before going into this program. I should stop here, because otherwise, this story would go on and on!!!! There are no words to express my thanks to everyone who made this possible for me, both here and at home.
I guess what I would like them to know is that all people are equal even if they might look different. That there are good people everywhere. That’s it.
“Exchange isn’t a year in your life,
It’s a life in a year”
It’s a life in a year”
**The local Rotary Club, now in its 62nd year, has been involved in this International Youth Exchange Program for many years. It sponsors this program with the belief that exposure to different cultures is one of the most powerful ways to promote peace and international understanding. The Chestertown Rotary encourages anyone who has an interest in hosting an incoming foreign student or merely wants to review information on hosting a student to contact John Hagmann at 494-4637 or David Schlansker at 251-5737 for details.