by JuneAn Lanigan and Kiko Peiro
We had the privilege of hosting Kiko Peiro in 2017 as part of the Alfa & Omega study abroad program. He and two other students were paired with DBF host families in the California Bay Area for 3 short months.
Kiko and JuneAn
Kiko writes, “It was an incredible and very enriching experience. I got to know another culture, another school (a first!), and everything was so different! But the most important thing was having the privilege of meeting my American parents who are now my second family! I felt at home with them and trusted them in the same way I trust my parents. I learned a lot from them and they have become one of the pillars of my life.”
Kiko, JuneAn and Kevin Lanigan
As an exchange student, Kiko attended our local high school as a freshman and was initiated into our California public education system. Different from Alfa & Omega, our local high school is a large, secular, four year school with students from many diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. It is safe to say that navigating the curriculum and school dynamics was a learning experience in and of itself!
Kiko and his A&O classmates were also immersed in California lifestyle and tradition. We traveled throughout the state exploring different cities and towns, sampling local cuisine and culture. We had a great time together (and many laughs) as we discussed our countries’ similarities and differences. We learned as much from the students as they did from us! Our time together was a joy. We have since traveled to Denia twice, and were equally welcomed by Kiko’s amazing family.
In August 2023, we reunited in California for a 3 week vacation. Kiko shares, “This last three-week trip was also an incredible experience and coming back 6 years later and feeling at home from the first day is priceless.”
Kiko with Kevin and Scott and Sue Johnson
Kiko is no longer our ‘exchange student’, he is family. Like our own children, we are deeply supportive of his education and career (both business and kite surfing!), and the life ahead of him. It is fair to say that we love him like a son.
If you feel a nudge to get involved in the lives of A&O students and want to learn more, please reach out to Eunice at A&O to explore the opportunities. There are many students, like Kiko, who can grow richly with your support.
Kiko tells me that he is very grateful to Alfa & Omega, the Johnson family and our entire Lanigan family for giving him this great opportunity. It has truly been an experience of a lifetime.
