Rockets share life and learning with students from Barcelona

McNicholas welcomed 5 students from Collegi Casp, a sister school in Barcelona, Spain, for a 3-week study abroad program.  

During their stay, Ariadna, Ana, Andrea, Biel, and Abel lived with McNicholas host families, explored Cincinnati, and experienced life as a Rocket. They participated in clubs, cheered from the Launch Pad, attended a full class schedule, and even helped in our Spanish classes.  

“The students here at McNicholas work very hard in their Spanish classes. I could tell they wanted to learn and it was fun to help them,” Ariadna said.

McNicholas is grateful to the host families who welcomed students into their homes. “We were welcomed with big arms as soon as we got here,” Andrea said.  

Host students and siblings senior Maddy Gundrum and sophomore Jacob Gundrum enjoyed sharing Cincinnati staples like Skyline and Kings Island with their “Barcelona sister” Ariadna, but were also open to trying new foods and games from Barcelona as well. They quickly found ways they could relate despite cultural differences.  

“It was amazing how many similarities there were between us and how quickly she became very close to our family,” Jacob said. 

“Even my dog fell in love with Ariadna!” Maddy added.  

Sophomore Julia Cheek, whose family hosted Andrea, felt similarly saying, “It was very cool to be able to get a taste of another culture. I would love the chance to visit Barcelona and to continue to learn and experience even more.” 

The students from Barcelona particularly enjoyed the close, friendly relationship McNicholas students have with their teachers and noted that as a major difference between McNicholas and their educational experience in Barcelona. 

Principal David Mueller has been partnering with Collegi Casp for 28 years and is incredibly grateful for all that has come from that partnership. “We are very thankful for the students’ and families' spirit of adventure,” he shared. “It has helped our school to learn and grow.”