On Saturday, October 5^th, five nervous eighth and ninth graders from El Colegio Episcopal de Panamá arrived at Shipley after their tumultuous day of air travel.  Eight equally anxious Shipley students were present to welcome them into their families for their three-week stay.  Three of the students switched houses halfway through the exchange to allow more host families to participate.  Over the course of the following three weeks, Andrea, Ana Ximena, Roger, Sabrina, and Alexis attended regular 9^th grade classes, did homework, and took tests.  They also had the opportunity to experience the non-academic aspects of North American life, including visits to Boston and New York City. 

The differences between the two cultures proved to be interesting, but surprisingly few.  Language and geography seemed to be the only prevalent differences.  The American influence in Panamá has caused their culture to resemble ours, including the use of the American dollar and many English words that crept into colloquial Panamanian Spanish.  We all had many things in common such as taste in music, social lives, and interest in sports. Friendships were quick to develop between the hosts and our visitors, as well as many of the students sharing classes with the Panamanian students.  Most of the dialogue took place in English, although some of the more advanced Shipley Spanish students conversed in our visitors’ native language.  We jokingly criticized the way the other pronounces certain sounds, such as the “rr” in Spanish or the “ch” in English.  Other activities included a trip to the mall, visits to historic Philadelphia, Shipley sports games, and a final dinner to culminate the exchange. 

Overall the exchange was meaningful for everyone involved.  Plans are underway for a group of Shipley students to travel to Panamá in either the spring or the summer. It is safe to say that everyone involved looks forward to seeing their foreign friends again.

 
 

October 2002