PTSCA Student Exchange Introduction
The Pleasanton-Tulancingo Sister City Association (PTSCA) Student Exchange was created in 1985 as a true exchange, where students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture and improve their language skills. The program was created by Sr. Bob Athenour and Steve Noble. Sr. Bob was a Spanish teacher at Amador Valley High School and Steve Noble was a local businessman. The annual PTSCA Student Exchange is the most affordable exchange in the Tri-Valley.
Every year, the program invites students of the Tri-Valley to live with host families in Tulancingo for 3 weeks. After that, our Tri-Valley exchange students and their families host a student from Tulancingo for 3 weeks. It is an enriching experience that offers personal growth and life-long friendships.
There are no fees or financial obligations to the PTSCA when students apply or participate in the exchange. The PTSCA is a non-profit organization. The only major expense for an exchange student is the airfare.
We typically offer information sessions during the months of October to December to give details about the program. There are application materials available on our website. The application process includes a recommendation from a teacher and a brief interview to gauge a student's comfort level in traveling abroad.
We are often asked "Is it safe?" Fortunately, Tulancingo is located in Hidaldo, one of the safest states in Mexico. It is a quiet, non-tourist town that is nestled in the mountains about 60 miles northeast of Mexico City. The Student Exchange program has long-standing history of successful exchanges without any incidents. We work very closely with the Student Exchange Coordinator in Tulancingo to make certain that host families are interviewed and housing accommodations are appropriate and safe. We also have rules in place to ensure the safety for each of our exchange students and their families.
Each year 60-80 adults and exchange students travel between the cities, and over two thousand trips over the course of 34 years have been made without incident. The PTSCA also sponsors trips for our local high school teachers and they have felt safe. We hope and expect safe travel to continue and the members of both city's organizations are dedicated to making sure our exchanges and visits are both safe and culturally interesting.
Tulancingo is a modern city with iPhones and Android smartphones, WiFi in most houses, cathedrals, universities, shopping malls, even Dominos! Most of our exchange students are surprised how 'like home' it is. There are even statues around the town that are dedicated to Pleasanton. You can learn more about Tulancingo on this site.
Use the Student Exchange menu (above) to learn more about the program, read testimonials from recent ambassadors, download application forms, and find who to contact about the program. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYr8KseLvhU .
