A Summer in Spain:

The Hernando de Soto Historical Society has helped foster a special relationship between Bradenton, Florida, and its Sister City of Barcarrota, Spain, for decades. At the heart of that connection is the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program, which gives local students the opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand while building lifelong friendships between the two communities.

 

This summer, De Soto Student Ambassador Jacob Mruk had the opportunity to experience that tradition for himself, spending five weeks immersed in the culture and community of Barcarrota.

 

As his time in Spain came to an end, Jacob reflected on just how much the experience meant to him.

 

 

During his stay, Jacob experienced Spanish food, history, traditions and celebrations while forming close relationships with the people who welcomed him into their community.

 

For Jacob, the experience quickly became much more than simply a summer abroad.

 

 

 

Through the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program, the Hernando de Soto Historical Society maintains close ties with Barcarrota, Spain, Bradenton’s Sister City.

 

For nearly four decades, representatives from Barcarrota have traveled to Bradenton to participate in De Soto festivities, while members of the De Soto community have traveled to Spain to experience the culture and traditions of Barcarrota.

 

Each year, a local student is selected to travel to Spain and become immersed in Spanish culture. The experience gives the student an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of Barcarrota, experience everyday life in Spain and form friendships that can last long after the trip ends.

 

Later, a student from Barcarrota travels to Bradenton to experience American culture and the De Soto community.

 

Jacob’s experience is another example of the lasting impact this exchange can have on its participants.

 

Reflecting on the people he met along the way, Jacob shared:

 

 

The Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program is about much more than travel. It provides young people with an opportunity to experience another culture while continuing a relationship between two communities located thousands of miles apart.

 

For generations of De Soto Student Ambassadors, a summer in Barcarrota has created unforgettable experiences, new perspectives and friendships that continue well beyond their time in Spain.

 

Jacob summed up his experience with a phrase that perfectly reflects the lasting connection he now has with Barcarrota:

 

 

This isn’t goodbye, only see you later.

 

Barcarrota Mayor Miguel Arriero said, “It has been a true pleasure to have him among us, to see him participate in so many activities, to learn about our customs and, above all, to see the affection with which Barcarrota has welcomed him.”

 

Interested in becoming a future De Soto Student Ambassador?

 

Learn more about the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program, view past program recipients and discover how to apply through the Hernando de Soto Historical Society.