Could you ever imagine moving to another country for a whole year by yourself? So many challenges to face, yet, tons of new experiences. Ainara Serrano Fraile came all the way from Murcia in the southeastern part of Spain to take on this adventure.
Leaving your home is a hard decision.
“That was the hardest part because I’m really close to my friends and family back in Spain,” Ainara stated.
She had to leave her younger sister and parents for her exchange year.
There are so many different emotions involved with this transition, not only for the student but also for her host family. Dallastown Language Teacher, Mrs.Harbert, welcomed Ainara into her family.
Harbert has some experience as an exchange student.
“I was an exchange student in Spain when I was in college and lived with a host family. I wanted to pay it forward,” Harbert said.
Now getting that chance, Harbert is excited to guide Ainara through her year in the United States.
Ainara came to Dallastown in hopes of learning many new things.
“Being able to live the experience of living in a different country, learning the culture, and trying new things.”
There are so many differences between countries and cultures worldwide that it’s a huge change being in another country for any amount of time. New things are constantly catching your attention.
“Almost everything is different, class distribution, clubs and sports, and the amount of people,” Ainara said.
Although these differences may seem challenging to get through, there are also so many things to look forward to doing or experiencing.
“To be able to speak the language totally correctly but also enjoying the experience of living in a whole new country and meeting a lot of new people,” Ainara exclaimed.
She has many people looking out for her and helping along this journey.
Harbert’s daughter, Lexie, and Ainara are getting to share things with each other about their unique cultures and enjoying spending time with each other.
Some of their trips so far have been going to Chocolate World, Rehoboth Beach, Gettysburg Battlefields, Kilgore Falls, and shopping at Target.
Creating memories that will last a lifetime, Ainara is excitedly waiting for all the holidays to come.
“The things I’m most excited to experience are school dances, Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving,” Ainara announced.
Although school isn’t the most enjoyable, Ainara will reminisce on these memories and never forget the school year of 2024-2025.
