This summer, Pomona Spanish teacher Elfa Rodriguez took seven of her students on an "educational" trip to Spain. Rodriguez is a firm believer in the success program is called International Student Exchange (ISE), which organizes student centered trips to various countries.

"The Spain trip was a good learning experience. It made me become more aware of different cultures and people. I learned a lot about myself and how independent I can be," said senior Misty Markley.

Rodriguez and her students visited several different cities including Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Segovia, and Sevilla. Transportation between the different cities was by bus, but students then toured on foot.

"My favorite memory was the buggy ride (the buggy ride is a horse drawn carriage that tours part of Granada) because the students were very exhausted, but they were very excited about it," commented Rodriguez.

Another highlight of the trip was when the students spent a week living with a Spanish family. The students got to experience everyday life with their host "brother" or "sister" by doing activites such as going to school, watching a movie, and dancing at a discoteca (dance club).

"We were nervous at first and were reluctant to go," said seniors Denae Millage and Misty Markley, "but it ended up being a good experience because the family made us feel welcome." Students were encouraged to be polite, open minded, and speak as much of the Spanish language as possible.

"Even though I didn't speak Spanish that well, the people in Spain were really understanding and made me feel like a native in Spain," said senior Kelly Hughes.

Some not so pleasant memories included Rodriguez getting sick. Due to this, the seven students then had to tour some of the cities with other groups that were included in the ISE program. These groups were from places such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

"My scariest moment was when we were attacked by gypsies," said junior Jade Cameron with a shudder. The gypsies are peddlers who were found at many of the tourist attractions the students visited.

Everyone was excited to go home but were sad to be leaving the friends that they made in Spain.

Another one of Rodriguez's favorite memories was when the students landed in Colorado and sang "America the Beautiful" as they saw their families after three weeks of being separated.

Rodriguez said she plans to take another group to Spain in the summer of 2001. Those who are interested in this once in a lifetime opportunity should see Rodriguez in room 307 for details.