Elisabetta Vaccari, from the town of Treviso near Venice, Italy, is glad she opted to stay the course and spend her senior year at Garden Spot High School (GSHS) in New Holland. "In March, (the exchange program) asked me if I wanted to change my plans," recalled Vaccari, who noted that many other students chose to remain at home. "I am so happy to be here," she said. "There was nothing to lose."

Vaccari and Daniel Vargas, an exchange student from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, are both completing their senior year at GSHS through SHARE Education Resource Development Trust. Their visit was arranged by Shannon Potales of Blue Ball, who has been hosting students in her home for several years. "(SHARE) asked me to help place students," recalled Potales. "We had such good experiences, I thought it was important to do it."

The issues surrounding COVID-19 complicated the experience this year for Potales, but she forged ahead, originally placing six students in the area. Several students decided to hold off, and others were grounded because they could not obtain visas while they were quarantined. Vargas was awarded his visa only about five days before his flight left Bolivia.

Both students said they feel they are experiencing more freedom here. Vaccari noted that in the area of Italy where she lives, some regions were still under lockdowns. Vargas said that Santa Cruz is a small city with a dense population. He recalled six months of lockdown with designated hours to purchase groceries. "It's better here (because people are spread out)," he said.

While COVID-19 restrictions meant the students have missed out on some cultural experiences, both found positive activities to take part in. Vaccari played a full season of soccer, and Vargas ran cross-country. The students also attended two GSHS football games. Vaccari's host family members took her to their beach house and planned a visit to their cabin. "They have been creating experiences for her," shared Potales, who took Vargas to see her daughter, singer Juliana Wardle, perform in Maryland.

Vargas noted that the GSHS building is a lot larger than the school he attends in Bolivia. "It's a completely different culture (but) I love it," said Vargas, noting that he has enjoyed new experiences, such as the change of seasons. "I don't live very far from the Equator, so we don't have such different seasons," he explained.

Vargas said he is amazed by the variety of food from many different countries that is available here, and he has tried mixing a few items that are not traditionally eaten together, to the amazement of Potales. Vaccari has experienced Pennsylvania Dutch food, noting that pork and sauerkraut is a favorite.

Both students said they were glad they came to New Holland for their senior year. "I have been able to learn a lot of new things," said Vargas.

Vaccari agreed, saying, "I think people here want to know you. They want to know your culture, and they want to be friends with you."