Saint Raphael Academy’s international program embarked on a new endeavor this fall. Two juniors, Johan and Ximena, participated in an international exchange with two students from La Salle Bonanova, a Lasallian preK-12 school in Barcelona, Spain. Their host students, Bruno and Carol, first stayed with Johan’s and Ximena’s families and attended SRA in October, and then Johan and Ximena stayed with Bruno’s and Carol’s families and attended school in Spain during November. They return to the United States this week.
The following is from an assignment given to Johan and Ximena, where they reflected on the international exchange experience and gave a presentation for the lower grades at La Salle Bonanova. Here are their stories in their own words:
Johan’s Stay
Hello, my name is Johan. I am 17 years old and attend Saint Raphael Academy in the United States, and I am currently in an international exchange here at La Salle Bonanova. It all started with an opportunity: in the early months of 2025, our international coordinator and principal gave us the opportunity to study abroad for one month in Barcelona, Spain. At first, I hesitated, but my head was filled with this one question, “Do I have what it takes to go to another country and represent myself and my school?” The answer was yes. I agreed to take part in this Lasallian exchange.
The process was long; lots of waiting and Zoom calls. This took up all my sophomore year and summer break. I first met on a WhatsApp call with my host family. They were very warm and welcoming and excited to host me. We talked a little bit about Bruno, the student that I would be hosting. Funny enough, I actually didn’t even know what he looked like until he arrived [at the airport] in Boston.
I’m not very used to living with someone else my age; as an only child, I’m used to being on my own. I now had to learn how to share the bathroom and wait for someone else to get ready. It took some time to get used to, but having Bruno at my house will be one of the most memorable experiences. Soon enough, it was time to leave and head to Spain. It was a long journey, having a connecting flight in Paris. When I arrived in Barcelona, I couldn’t believe that I had really made it here.
My first week at La Salle Bonanova was more successful than I thought [it would be]. I found friends quickly. We would usually play soccer or bond over something else. Our current mission is to bring more attention to this Lasallian exchange between Saint Raphael Academy and La Salle Bonanova.
I’m also glad that I got to do this with my good friend Ximena, breaking boundaries, and creating international relationships. I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come to La Salle Bonanova and study here. The memories I made here will be remembered forever.
Ximena’s Stay
Hello, my name is Ximena. I am the other student from the United States. I am 16 years old and I’m a junior in high school at Saint Raphael Academy. Saint Raphael Academy is a small Catholic school located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Not only am I a student at Saint Raphael Academy but also currently a student at La Salle Bonanova.
The planning of this international Lasallian exchange took much time and effort, as well as many phone calls back and forth with our international student coordinator. I have always had the dream of coming to Spain to visit and see the beautiful things this country had to offer. When the international student coordinator, Mrs. Couto, brought this offer to me, I was very excited; I was ready to take on the role of representing my school and myself.
Once we had a family set for me to host, I was so excited to learn all about the girl I was going to host. I was excited to show her around my school, my friends, my town, and other places in the U.S.A. Carol’s family reached out to mine and we planned a Zoom call so we could meet. I was both very excited and very nervous to meet her and the family. Without a doubt, I can say the call went great. It gave me a piece of reassurance not only for me, but also for my family. After that, Carol and I started to talk. We asked each other questions and helped each other out.
Every email Ms. Couto would send about this exchange trip would make Johan and I very excited. The day of their arrival came closer and closer. Johan and I made them welcome posters, and I made sure her room was ready, and I even got her a welcome basket. From the moment at the airport, Carol and I clicked. Every day I had something planned; each day was a new memory added to both our memories. Not only was I able to connect with Carol, but I was also able to connect with Bruno. We did so many things together. The days went by fast and then it was my turn to come to Spain.
I was very nervous and sad. I was going to miss my friends and family. In all honesty, the first week was very challenging for me, but after that I was able to adapt. To this day, Carol and I keep making memories. Time has gone by really fast and now it’s our time to go back, which is very upsetting. I wish I could stay longer, but I’m also ready to go home.
I am beyond grateful for the memories created, as well as the new friendships I made in Spain and the friendships Carol made in the U.S.A. Not only did I just make friends, but I was also able to get to know two other families, which I now consider my family and more. Without a doubt, I will be coming back to visit, as well as look back on this experience for many years to come. Carol and I have made a promise to one another to stay in communication.
Once again, thanks to Carol’s family, Bruno’s family, and everyone at La Salle Bonanova for making this time very memorable!
If you would like to learn about hosting international students as they attend Saint Raphael Academy (short-term and long-term opportunities available), please contact Bethany Couto, International Student Coordinator, at 401-723-8100 ext. 118 or email bcouto@saintrays.org.
