April 30, 2008 – On March 25, after a grueling eight-hour flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport and a two-and-half-hour bus ride north, 13 foreign exchange students and their chaperones from St. Petersburg, Russia, arrived in Latham, New York.

Their journey marked the start of a two-week exchange program with North Colonie Central School District families hosting the students in their homes through April 5.

“I really enjoyed the time I spent with my host family—they’re nice people,” said Paulina Draidina.

“I would come again," said Sergey Ippolitov. “I like my host.”

When they weren't spending time with their host families, the group of exchange students attended classes at Shaker Senior High School and traveled throughout the Northeast.

“I was deeply impressed by the structure of this school,” said Russian teacher/chaperone Olga Petrova. “Our school system is much different. I went to the technology and art departments. I found them very interesting and well-equipped.”

The group spent two days in New York City where they saw the musical “Grease,” toured the Metropolitan Museum of Art and many other attractions.

“New York City is very intimidating,” said Ana Volchok. “It is very different from our city.”

They also visited Niagara Falls, Boston and Shaker Village in Hancock, Mass.

“It was a vacation for us,” said Petrova. “We really enjoyed our stay here.”

Last fall, Shaker High School students participated in a similar exchange to St. Petersburg, Russia.