Skip to main content
June 2, 2026

Mineola and Estarreja Celebrate Historic Student Exchange Program

Students standing in front of the New York Skyline

 

One of Mineola High School’s most cherished traditions, our foreign student exchange program with Portugal, recently brought vibrant global perspectives to our school community. While our students thoroughly enjoyed their time abroad, a true highlight of the program was welcoming our Portuguese peers right here to Mineola, giving our high school the incredible opportunity to return the hospitality and showcase the unique culture and community spirit that define our school.

The journey began with the Mineola contingent visiting Estarreja, Portugal, from March 26 to April 2, accompanied by Mr. Pereira and Ms. Montgomery. Welcomed into the homes of local families, our students explored the Aveiro Lagoon on traditional moliceiro boats, toured historic landmarks in Aveiro and Oporto, and concluded their stay with a gourmet farewell dinner prepared by Estarreja’s culinary arts students. The trip wrapped up with two days of historical and cultural immersion in Lisbon before our group returned home.

The second leg of the exchange commenced on April 8, when we were thrilled to welcome the Estarreja delegation to New York. Our students guided their visitors through iconic landmarks of New York City, including Central Park, The Edge at Hudson Yards and Ground Zero. Back at Mineola High School, our Portuguese Club hosted a warm welcome breakfast attended by Central and High School Administration, after which the visitors spent the day attending academic classes alongside their Mineola hosts.

The remainder of the week highlighted the beauty of Long Island, featuring trips to the Planting Fields Arboretum and the Vanderbilt Mansion and Planetarium. Our local community also extended a warm welcome, with Village of Mineola Mayor Pereira hosting the students for a special tour and presentation at Village Hall. The extraordinary program concluded with a rooftop farewell party organized by our wonderful host families, leaving both the American and Portuguese students with deep global connections and lifelong memories.

This exceptional initiative highlights our high school's dedication to broadening horizons, fostering global citizens and building meaningful connections that span oceans and cultures, making our entire community truly #MineolaProud.

A large group of young people poses for a photo on the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Four young women stand in front of the iconic Citi Field apple, with flowers in bloom.

Six young women smile for a photo in Times Square at night, with bright billboards in the background. A large group of young people poses for a photo in front of a fountain in a park.

Three friends pose for a photo with the Statue of Liberty in the background under a clear blue sky. A large group of young people stand together on a wooden boardwalk with a body of water to their left and a modern sculpture behind them.

A large group of young people poses for a photo in front of the Vessel structure. A large group of young people stands together in a modern, architecturally striking indoor space.

A large group of young adults poses for a photo on a rooftop at sunset. A diverse group of students stands together in front of a building, holding up white t-shirts with text.