2020-2021 EXCHANGE
We are excited to announce a great opportunity available to our MPSD students. We are currently planning an 18 day Summer 2021 visit to our partner school in Spain, with the tentative dates being June 18 - July 5, 2021.
Students and staff from our partner school in Logroño will visit Manitowoc from September 8-23, 2020. Because we would like to promote a one-to-one exchange, we are currently seeking students who would be interested in this opportunity of a lifetime to host a student from Spain as well as travel to Spain for the immersion experience. |
A little bit about the MPSD Live Programs...
Students in the Manitowoc Public School District have opportunities to travel to France, Germany or Spain through our partner school relationships and Live! immersion courses for which students earn .5 high school credit.
Through our French Live, German Live and Spanish Live programs, students are not merely tourists. While part of the time students do participate in cultural tours or visits, the interaction with the locals in the target language and the friendships that they develop with their hosts are unique to our Live programs. MPSD students are welcomed into host families' homes and are able to experience their hosts' culture from a different viewpoint. It is the goal of the Live programs for students to experience the countries not as tourists, but rather knowledgeable travelers on a journey to becoming global citizens.
The Live programs are so much more than a trip. Students attend pre-departure classes, complete pre-departure projects, participate in cultural activities while overseas, speak the target language while being immersed in the language and culture abroad, and complete follow up projects upon their return to the states. The curriculum for these immersion experiences helps students become prepared to make the most out of their experiences abroad.
Because our programs are part of a reciprocal exchange, our MPSD students and families also host students from our partner schools abroad. Hosting is a great opportunity and cross-cultural experience not only for our MPSD travelers but also students who may not have had the opportunity to participate in the immersion program abroad.
Through our French Live, German Live and Spanish Live programs, students are not merely tourists. While part of the time students do participate in cultural tours or visits, the interaction with the locals in the target language and the friendships that they develop with their hosts are unique to our Live programs. MPSD students are welcomed into host families' homes and are able to experience their hosts' culture from a different viewpoint. It is the goal of the Live programs for students to experience the countries not as tourists, but rather knowledgeable travelers on a journey to becoming global citizens.
The Live programs are so much more than a trip. Students attend pre-departure classes, complete pre-departure projects, participate in cultural activities while overseas, speak the target language while being immersed in the language and culture abroad, and complete follow up projects upon their return to the states. The curriculum for these immersion experiences helps students become prepared to make the most out of their experiences abroad.
Because our programs are part of a reciprocal exchange, our MPSD students and families also host students from our partner schools abroad. Hosting is a great opportunity and cross-cultural experience not only for our MPSD travelers but also students who may not have had the opportunity to participate in the immersion program abroad.
Spanish Live Program - FAQs
Q1 - Should I apply even if I am not 100% sure I can travel?
YES! By applying to the program, you are showing that you are serious about the Spanish Live exchange. Students who are accepted will be invited to an informational meeting for parents and students. The meeting will be held sometime in April or May.
YES! By applying to the program, you are showing that you are serious about the Spanish Live exchange. Students who are accepted will be invited to an informational meeting for parents and students. The meeting will be held sometime in April or May.
Q2 - Do I have to host a student in September 2020 in order to travel to Spain as part of the Spanish Live program?
No. We understand that there are some circumstances that keep students from hosting. However, if you don't host a student, you are missing out on half of the experience. Ideally, you would host the student in the fall that will host you during the summer.
No. We understand that there are some circumstances that keep students from hosting. However, if you don't host a student, you are missing out on half of the experience. Ideally, you would host the student in the fall that will host you during the summer.
Q3 - Can I host a Spanish student if I am not able to travel to Spain in summer 2021?
YES! There are 24 students coming to Manitowoc from September 8-23, 2020 that are in need of host families. We are often in need of additional host families due to the size of the group that visits from Spain.
YES! There are 24 students coming to Manitowoc from September 8-23, 2020 that are in need of host families. We are often in need of additional host families due to the size of the group that visits from Spain.
Q4 - How much will the trip cost?
The cost of the trip will depend upon the number of students that travel to Spain. We can travel with up to 24 students. In the past the cost has been between $3000-$3200 per student for an 18 day trip to Spain.
The cost of the trip will depend upon the number of students that travel to Spain. We can travel with up to 24 students. In the past the cost has been between $3000-$3200 per student for an 18 day trip to Spain.
Q5 - Will there be opportunities for fundraising and financial aid?
YES! We organize our travel with Xperitas, a reputable non-profit organization with the mission of transforming lives through shared global experience and intercultural learning. For students who qualify for financial aid, Xperitas awards from up to 15%- 60% of the total program cost In addition, students who would like to fundraise for the trip will have the opportunity to do so.
YES! We organize our travel with Xperitas, a reputable non-profit organization with the mission of transforming lives through shared global experience and intercultural learning. For students who qualify for financial aid, Xperitas awards from up to 15%- 60% of the total program cost In addition, students who would like to fundraise for the trip will have the opportunity to do so.
Q6 - What is the timeline for the exchange?
Q7 - Do I have to do the Spanish Live experience for credit if I want to travel to Spain?
YES! All student travelers must do the Spanish Live exchange for credit. It is not an option to travel without participating in required classes and coursework. Once the group is formed, we will determine the dates of the pre-departure classes, which take place outside of the regular school day. There will be projects and/or activities required for each student to complete before, during and after the immersion experience in Spain. Spanish Live is an actual course that will appear on your LHS transcript with a letter grade assigned to it. It is worth .5 high school credit. If you are looking for just a vacation, this is not it.
YES! All student travelers must do the Spanish Live exchange for credit. It is not an option to travel without participating in required classes and coursework. Once the group is formed, we will determine the dates of the pre-departure classes, which take place outside of the regular school day. There will be projects and/or activities required for each student to complete before, during and after the immersion experience in Spain. Spanish Live is an actual course that will appear on your LHS transcript with a letter grade assigned to it. It is worth .5 high school credit. If you are looking for just a vacation, this is not it.
Q8 - Who is eligible to travel to Spain as part of the exchange?
This website will continue to be updated in the coming days.
Click on the image below to find out more information about Spain from Lonely Planet.
Additional information can be found under the TRAVEL tab.
Additional information can be found under the TRAVEL tab.
Family Stay in Logroño, Spain
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
- St. Augustine