Starting October of this school year, 2025, Sofia Solari and Jen Lobozzo’s Spanish 1, 2, 3, and 4 classes have been working with Project Olas, https://www.projectolas.org/, on a cultural immersion experience where our students in their respective classes have been paired with a woman from Guatemala who provides Spanish lessons via Whatsapp and zoom. Our classes have been working with the same Guatemalan woman, Evelyn, for the past three months. Project Olas is a nonprofit organization that connects Spanish language learners with “Olas moms”, women from economically vulnerable communities in Guatemala City to foster a  relationship that is centered in language learning. The sessions are one-on-one or group sessions that address a cross-cultural understanding through meaningful conversation. It simultaneously provides safe, sustainable income opportunities for these women, who otherwise have limited employment options in dangerous informal labor markets like the Guatemala City garbage dump area. Students and schools choose a lesson plan, get paired with an Olas mom, and then practice Spanish via audio/video chats that build both language skills and genuine human connection. Our classes have been loving this experience: “I really like doing this because I can see where I need to work on my Spanish.” -  Jana, Class of 2027. “I love it and look forward to these lessons. I love the experience. Spanish is my favorite class.” - Tara, Class of 2029. Being able to have a linguistic immersion experience in the heart of Bath, Maine is rewarding as we can share our small coastal community with other small communities even thousand miles away. We are excited to see this relationship develop!