Every year, Imagine Prep Surprise hosts multiple exchange students from many different countries. They each get to experience a new culture and experience new relationships with people that live a different lifestyle than they grew up with.

This year, I was lucky enough to know most of the exchange students personally and build a never-ending bond that can never be broken, no matter the distance.

This years exchange students are in the midst of preparing their goodbyes and their suitcases as the end of the school year quickly approaches.

Not only is it hard for the exchange students to say goodbye to their families and friends, but regular students and teachers here at the prep are having a tough time accepting that these students won’t be returning next year.

One of the Prep’s teachers who has gotten to know the two Spanish exchange students through her AS physics class is Ms. Papacostas. She surprised us all with her impressive Spanish skills when she described how fond she is of Oscar Sanchez and Rita Sauret.

“Voy a ser muy triste cuando mis estudiantes Rita y Oscar regresan a España.  Ellos son trabajadores, simpáticos, y pensativo. Este año les he enseñado ciencias y me han enseñado su lengua y otra información de su país.  Buena suerte Rita y Oscar!” Papacostas said.

“The most amazing memory that I made while in America was prom night,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez completed his sophomore year at Imagine and also played for our Varsity soccer and football team.  

“I’m not excited to go back. I’m going to miss my host family and my brother Fabian. I am also going to miss playing soccer for Imagine,” Sanchez added.

The second Spanish exchange student is Rita Sauret. She also played soccer for Imagine Prep this year.

“All of the friends I made this year have made such a big impact. I am excited to see my family, but I am also sad to go back because that means it’s over,” Sauret said.

Rebecca Diaferia is an exchange student from Italy. She spent this year taking trips with her host family and creating a strong relationship with her host sister.

“My host family made a huge impact on my life here. I am excited to see my family in Italy but I am also sad that I have to say goodbye to my family here. I plan to visit next year over spring break.” said Diaferia.  

Tristan Morel is an exchange student from France. He spent this year traveling around Arizona and experiencing everything our state has to offer. He also played for Imagine Prep football team.

“Traveling around the different places with my house brother Anton was the most memorable part of my time here. I’m going to miss the weather, but I’m excited to have French food again” said

Morel’s brother Anton Busch is a German exchange student and also played for Imagine Prep football team and made a lot of amazing memories during his exchange year.

“All of my friends have made such a big impact on my life. I’m going to miss my friends and the food here. After high school I plan to visit.” said Busch.

Last but not least, Fabian Mangelsen is another German exchange student who played for the Football team here at the prep.

“The most amazing memory I made in America was dancing with my friends at prom. The friends I made in America have impacted my life so much, but my host brother made the biggest impact because he was my first brother and I’ve never had siblings before.” Mangelsen said.

As the 2017-2018 school year comes to a close, we are saying goodbye to some of the greatest people we will ever meet. This year’s exchange students were very special and Imagine Prep was lucky to have them.