New Mexico Land of enchantment
Hello guys ! So I heard you're going on a big adventure. You are looking for a culture shock and to get out of your comfort zone. Well New Mexico is waiting for you. The Land of Enchantment did not steel its name. It will blow your mind because it's the real American life. Don't look for the life we see in movies you already got it at home. In New Mexico you'll find two of the most amazing things you can ask for. Sunset, some of the best in the world and people. They took the number one spot in my list. I met some of the nicest and most caring people in the world. And guess what, I have been travelling a bit in the state and I never found another place like NM. Don't get me wrong, I have met good people all around the globe but never that many in one place. Now get on the plane and buckle up, the best part of your trip is yet to come
Arrival into Albuquerque New Mexico Airport Jean Mathis from France
Mathis Gouy - ETC student 2014-2015
Cristina from Spain
Cemre from Germany
Maria from Spain Yannik from Germany
2017- Camp Shaver camping trip! 35 students and 28 families joined us on this camping trip! We had “summer camp� cabins and we were able to go fishing, hiking to a water fall and spend quality time around the camp fire!
2017- ETC students were painting inspirational quote rocks on our annual camp trip- this year we went to Camp Shaver in Jemez New Mexico.
2017 Camp Shaver: Hiking to the local waterfall to spend some time playing in the water!
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2016- Navajo Lake Camping Trip: This year host families and students traveled to Navajo Lake which is a 2hour drive from Albuquerque to enjoy some time in the great outdoors. We camped in tents for 3 night and spent time on the lake!
2016- Group picture from Navajo Lake
2015- White Sands Camping trip- Group photos
2015- White Sands Camping trip- This is a group photo from our hike in Cloudcroft NM on our way home from our White Sands tent camping trip!
Each year we have a Pumpkin Carving party! In 2017 we had 65 pumpkins carved between host families and ETC students! Each year we give out 3 prizes : Most Creative, Scariest and Funniest pumpkins carved!
2017: This photo was taken with a few of our ETC students in front of our famous Route 66 restaurant here in Albuquerque! Walking into this restaurant is like taking a trip back in time to the 50’s in the US- it’s family for it’s yummy food and fun environment.
2017- Rio Rancho and Albuquerque schools offer all students the opportunity to attend many dances each year- this photo is from Homecoming Ball in Oct 2017
Each November we offer and International Night! Each student can cook a dish from their home country and then do a presentation should they choose! We invite members of the community to come and learn about our students and their home countries!
New Mexico ETC students have many opportunities to volunteer in the community throughout the year as well! This photo is from 2016 when the students helped to replant new plants in the downtown area of Albuquerque to support Earth Day!
Each December ETC throws an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party and Mr. & Mrs. Claus come and visit us for pictures too! This is strictly a dessert party so every family/student brings a traditional holiday dessert that they love to share with the group. We also have fun celebrating by playing the famous American game “White Elephant.� Each November as a group we go and serve those in need a Thanksgiving meal!
Each year in March we host a Family Appreciation event where each student can paint a picture for their host family to hang in their home with a special message on the back from them!
Albuquerque has the world’s largest International Balloon Fiesta in October!
Ignacio From Spain: My experience in NM can't be described with words, but I'll try my hardest to explain it to you. As soon as you get out the airport you know it's not your home country. The sky is full of crazy looking clouds. You see storms in the horizon, but the sun is shining and it's hot. You'll see the SandĂas and unless you're Spanish it might take you sometime to understand why it's called like that. Your host family is going to make you try a burrito or anything that is hot and I'm sure your mouth will burn to tears! Some people call me crazy but now I make my own salsas at home and I feel they are even hotter that in NM. And I love them! This state will make you feel close to yourself. Everyone is nice and open minded. Everyone wants to talk to you and you feel loved since the very first day. The teachers are fun and they will love your accent. At home you'll be part of your American family and join their traditions and games. For example, in my host family they play the popular card game Uno, but they have their own rules like the cards must be on the table so everyone gets to see them! Crazy enough? New Mexico is so much fun, trust me. This state is full of nature. I went with the soccer team to Manzano Mountain for conditioning during the preseason. It was so fun to see me trying chili for the first time! And this is not even a quarter of all I did in my exchange year. But I can ensure you that every day in this state will bring you a new taste. I have uncountable memories from there. Halloween, Prom dance, swimming meets, Blue Hole, Tent Rocks, Jemez, Santa Fe, White Sands and more. You won't get bored in New Mexico! My personal advice is that New Mexico will bring you a unique experience that you won't get anywhere else! I hope to hear from you about your year in New Mexico. Ignacio Clemente Menaya 2015-2016 NM exchange student from Spain
La Cueva
https://lacueva.aps.edu/
“Where excellence is a habit”
Eldorado
https://eldorado.aps.edu/
EXCELLENCE HONOR SPIRIT
Sandia
https://sandia.aps.edu/
Cibola
https://chs-aps-nm.schoolloop.com
Volcano Vista https://vvhs-aps-nm.schoolloop.com TOGETHER:
Reflecting on the past Excelling in the present Preparing for the future
Rio Rancho
https://rioranchohigh.rrps.net/
Cleveland
https://cleveland.rrps.net/
Explore Academy www.exploreacademy.org/ (Average 8-10 students)
Albuquerque High
https://albuquerquehigh.aps.edu/
Valley High https://valley.aps.edu