The Rotary Youth Exchange Program allows a student to spend an entire school year abroad with another family.

This year, Maria Zuluaga, 17, of Columbia, South America, is studying at Gloucester City High School and staying with the family of Jack and Linda Dilks.

"We all learn different cultural experiences. We are building a friendship that will last a lifetime," said Dilks, a longtime member and past president of the Gloucester City Rotary Club.

"Maria is like a daughter to us. This is a great program sponsored by Rotary International," added Dilks, owner of Hambleton Stewart Realty.

"I am learning a lot," said Maria, whose father, Cesar, is also past president and a longtime member of the Monteria Rotary Club in Columbia.

"I do miss my family. I am a little homesick," said Maria, who calls them once a week and communicates daily on the internet.

Her mom's name is Maria, and she has a brother, Diego, 19, and a sister, Sara, 12.

"Maria is wonderful to have around," said Linda Dilks, adding that they all had a wonderful time during a recent trip to New Mexico and Arizona.

Linda's daughter Emily, 15, said having Maria at the house is like "having a sister. We go to school together."

Also, Emily helps Maria with her English, and Maria helps Emily with her Spanish.

Linda's son Cole, 12, said it is great to "learn about a different country."

Through the nine-month Youth Exchange Program, Maria will stay with the Dilks family until June 2008.

It will be her first Christmas away from home. She said she will miss the feast of the Epiphany celebration in Columbia.

At home, Maria likes to ride horses. Her dad is a cattle rancher.

"I want to be a veterinarian. I love all animals, and like being around animals," she said.

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