Exchange student builds a bond with host family

By: 
Nicole Mller

Guillermo Cobos Sanchez, an exchange student from Madrid, Spain, has been living in Weiser in the home of Ben and Lena Barbot.
 Sanchez wanted to be an exchange student to improve his English skills. Although he had been studying English for 10 years, he wanted to be able to speak it more comfortably and naturally.  
 When his mom suggested the best way to do that might be to attend a year of high school in the U.S., Sanchez immediately felt like it was a good idea.
 Sanchez has enjoyed his time here in the U.S. He likes the rural landscape and space in a small town.
 “It is a quiet place compared with my village. There’s a lot of nature and I like that,” Sanchez said.
 As part of his American high school experience, Sanchez ran cross country and was able to letter in the sport and compete at state. He also was on the track team.
 Most of all, Sanchez has enjoyed his time with his host family.
  The Barbots have three children attending WHS – Brenden, a senior, Ander, sophomore, and freshman Gabriella. Sanchez has developed a strong sibling-like bond, especially with his “brother” Ander with whom he spends the majority of his time.
 The Barbots shared that from the very beginning, Sanchez has blended right in their family and it could not have been a better placement for everyone involved.
 “In fact, he looks like he could be one of our kids and acts like them too!” Barbot said
 Barbot went on to share that this experience has taught them that people and teenagers are similar no matter where they come from.
 Along with learning many interesting things about Spain and Sanchez’s favorite customs, the Barbots have made an effort to share their favorite customs with Sanchez as well. Through this exchange of cultures the families have bonded and the Barbots have already started to make plans to visit the Sanchez family in Spain.
 The Barbots have also made sure Sanchez has had a chance to see a bit of the diversity of America. From attending the Western Idaho Fair when he first arrived, to traveling to McCall, Lake Pend Oreille, swimming in hot springs in Idaho, to traveling to Las Vegas, Hollywood, Yosemite, San Francisco and Disneyland over spring break.
 “It was an amazing once in a lifetime trip that Guillermo’s presence in our home inspired us to take,” Barbot said.
 In between adventures, the Barbots have also tried to show Sanchez normal daily American life also means cutting firewood, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, and taking care of animals.  
 “We would love to show him many more places and things that are special to Weiser, Idaho, and the U.S., such as Yellowstone and Hells Canyon, but we are running out of time so we may just have to wait and visit those places next time he visits us,” Barbot said.
 The Barbots said that through this experience they hope that Sanchez has learned that he will always have a family in America, and even though he heads home soon no one has any doubt that their adventures together are not even close to over.

Category:

Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

Connect with Us