Hermosa Beach Sister City Association

Dear Parents,

Thank you for encouraging your child to take this memorable step in his/her life. This extordinary exchange program is unique in that it is the longest running student exchange program for 7th & 8th graders in the US. We have heard from past participants, who are adults now, and they always mention how this exchange program changed their views on life and helped to influence their future goals. We are proud to be able to continue this youth program between Hermosa Beach and Loreto Mexico.

I would like to provide some idea of what to expect once your child is in Loreto Mexico:

Telephone calls from Mexico to the US are very expensive and many families cannot afford to pay for such calls. If you think or want your child to call home, please allow them to call collect or provide them with an international calling card for their use.

Be assured that the Loreto host parents will care for your child as if they were their own. After all, they will be in the company of their own child the entire time. Also keep in mind that the Loreto parents will be in a similar situation once their child comes to Hermosa Beach in July. You don't have to worry about your child. We promise!

Your child can expect to be greeted at the airport by the entire host family. They will probably have a small gift for him/her upon arrival. It is customary but not necessary to take a small, inexpensive gift for the host family and/or brother/sister and to give it to them upon arrival at their home, plus a small gift for the host child. Often times the host family gift is one of practicality - something the entire family might enjoy or something for the kitchen. The list of possibilities is endless, but if you have trouble finding something, give one of us a call and we will try to help you decide. The gift for the host child should be something your own child would like to receive - please keep it small and inexpensive.

The host family will most likely send some type of gift to you when your child returns home. It usually is representative of Mexico - especially Loreto. Again, it will probably be something small but very meaningful. Then, when your Loreto student comes up in July the same tradition goes in reverse order.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us. We want to do everything to assure your child will have a fun and safe trip they will always remember.

Regards,

Deborah Wright DeMaderios
President, HB Sister City Association

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