The Barrett family has hosted four foreign exchange students since they moved to the Winchester area.

Darla Barrett says that even though language differences present a challenge at times, it always seems to work itself out.

"We get creative with hand gestures, pictures, pointing and things like that. You can usually see the light bulb come on between the two of us," said Barrett.

She loves that her children are exposed to other cultures... and the price is right.

"It's a really nice opportunity to bring the world to your back yard- especially today with the economy the way it is. It's a nice way to see the world without having to go somewhere," shared Barrett.

The directors of the Ingeols Summer Program say the impact is great on the students from Spain as well.

"They really appreciate the possibility of going to another country and they open their minds a lot by traveling. I think that all students should have that opportunity," said Angeles Ordaz Ronay, the program's founder

The students often fit in like another family member.

"I think what they really enjoy is how open the American families are. How they open their homes and their hearts to them and they find that really, really, impressive," added Stephen Martin who helps with the program.

16-year-old Inigo says that although Virginia is beautiful, his trip to New York is one he will never forget.

"I live in Madrid. It's a big city, but New York is more bigger I think than everything. It's amazing," he said.

Barrett believes that programs like this are an important step for improving international relations.

"It's important to reach out to people around the world and bring them to your home, because the stereotypes that we all develop about foreigners and others, on both sides, can really be dispelled when you live with each other."

For more information about becoming a host family for the Ingeols Summer Program, contact Sue Ross at 540-955-2899.