Immersion Testimonials

From the Parents

“I just wish to express my gratitude for the incredible job that you did in this trip. Sarah and Timothy came back last night, and they could not stop telling us about how exciting the trip had been and how much they had enjoyed it. Both of them said that although it was time to come back home, they were sad to leave Spain and to no longer be part of the group. Not only did their Spanish improve dramatically, but they also brought back memories that are going to last a lifetime.”
-George Borjas, Parent (2008 trip)

“We want to thank you for organizing and managing this wonderful trip.  Our son had a great time, learned a lot, and met new people from all over the world.  What a fantastic experience.  Our sincere thanks to all of you for your professionalism, for keeping us posted throughout the trip with notes and photos, and for taking good care of our children.”
-Parents (2008 trip)

“This program boosted her confidence, her knowledge, and showed her that this world is much bigger
than Lexington, MA.  Thank you for the incredible opportunity…. I would send her to Spain again in a minute! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! I highly recommend your program to anyone.”
-Michelle Vendetti, Parent (2008 trip)

“I think it was truly eye-opening to be in a different country and to be around people not just from Spain but from all over the world. His Spanish improved tremendously, he forged some terrific friendships and he had the opportunity to experience a valuable sense of independence. So, thank you again for making this such a special trip.”
-Libby Shapiro and Ted Powers, Parents (2008 trip)

From the Students

“When I say it was one of the best decisions of my life, I am being serious. This trip has changed my thoughts on Spanish culture completely and has opened the door to this different life style and language. The city of Salamanca is a beautiful and safe city that any teenager can enjoy. This trip is better than just traveling to different Spanish cities everyday because I truly believe you learn how Spanish people really live. ”
-Krista Woodward, Student (2007 trip)

“Life is totally different here, but in a positive way. My Spanish has improved more since I´ve been here than in the four years I´ve been studying in Lexington. I´ve met so many new interesting people and my class has become very close. We get to learn about the different cultures of our fellow students. There are kids from all over the world including Belgium, Korea, Germany, Poland, Italy, Brazil, the list goes on and on. One of my favorite aspects of Spain is the food. My señora is a great cook and our meals are so different from what I eat in the States. I´m so grateful that I´ve been able to share this experience because it´s been one of the best times of my life. My eyes have seen things that many people could never dream of.”
-Soo Mee Yoon, Student (2007 trip)

“My experience in Salamanca has been something that I will never forget. With only one day left, I can look back on the many amazing experiences that have occurred here in Spain. The trips to Madrid, the finca, Avila, and Segovia come to mind as some of the most interesting visits that occurred in Spain. Getting a taste of the night life was great with the delicious tapas, sitting in the Plaza Mayor, and  dancing at the fiestas at Camelot. The classroom experience, although intense and fast moving, allowed my Spanish to improve rapidly. This trip was extremely positive and everything that I was worried about before the trip was actually nothing to worry about.”
-Coline Ludwig, Student (2006 and 2007 trips)

From the Teachers

As a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student become part of the culture of a country through an immersion experience. Seeing that student go from the classroom setting to the actual living experience is marvelous. The growth, responsibility and maturity that emerges from each student is truly remarkable. This past summer I was very fortunate to have accompanied one of Alex Gomez’ s immersion groups to Salamanca, and I must truly say that it was a most rewarding experience, not only for the students participating but for me as well.  Alex Gomez’s dedication, organization and true professionalism was evident throughout the entire preparation and execution of this immersion program. From the organizational and preparation meetings held with the students, parents, and chaperone teachers prior to the departure, to the daily contact meetings at the language school and with the families, to the nightly group meetings with the students assured me of his commitment to the safety and well-being of each and every student.

For more than 15 years I have been involved with student exchange and immersion programs to Spain, Costa Rica and Mexico and have always been extremely pleased with the overall results of these experiences for our students. However, I have to say that seeing the personal care and attention given to each and every student by Alex Gomez and his staff in this program, made this immersion program one of the best I have ever been involved with. The students all had very positive experiences with their families and language classes, and enjoyed every tour in Salamanca and its surrounding areas. Not only did each student fully benefited so from this very well organized program, but they also got a chance to meet many young people from all over the world with whom they shared their Salamanca immersion experience.

It is without a doubt that I completely recommend this immersion program to all…students and teachers alike!  It will be an unforgettable and remarkable experience of a life time!
-Beatriz Desloges, Teacher, Concord-Carlisle High School