From April 7-14, Mineola High School hosted 17 students and 4 teachers from Murtosa Secondary School in Portugal.

This was the second phase of an exchange initiated last year when 16 MHS learners accompanied by Mr. Pereira and Mr. Escobar visited the coastal municipality of Murtosa where they were treated to an authentic Portuguese experience by their host families.

The visiting students were hosted by Mineola High School families and spent the week immersed in American life. The group, along with their hosts, visited iconic destinations like Rockefeller Center, the Highline, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Central Park. They also visited the largest community of Murtosa ex-pats in Newark where the were greeted at City Hall by Councilman Michael Silva, whose parents immigrated from Murtosa. There was also time for some sightseeing right here on Long Island, the highlight of which was a visit to Planting Fields arboretum.

Perhaps the most memorable experience was the day that our visitors spent with their hosts attending classes at MHS and participating in the annual Battle of the Classes tradition. It was an experience that they will not soon forget.

Before the Murtosa students returned to Portugal they were treated, by the host parents, to an unforgettable farewell party where the laughs, hugs and tears were evidence of the friendships and memories made.

This was the 6th edition of a Mineola exchange with a secondary school in Portugal, the first one being in 1997.

Click here to view the 2025 Portuguese Exchange Visit slideshow.

Date Added: 4/18/2025