About Us
Information and History
STEP was founded in 1992 by Miguel Angel Amigo, current General Director of the company. Nowadays we are 10 people in the office. STEP has its office in Bilbao, a beautiful city on the northern coast of Spain. In these almost 30 years of life, STEP has consolidated as the reference organization in the student exchange world in the Basque Country and Navarre as we had originally planned in 1992.
STEP was born with a clear compromise towards the children and youngsters of the Basque Country and Navarra. We only have one central office in Bilbao and we send students to practically all the world, plus we organize our own summer camps for the younger kids in Spain.
Our Team
Mikel
Director
I was born in Bilbao in 1973. I was a senior in Piner HS, Santa Rosa (CA), back in the 89/90 school year. I had an amazing time there. I did volunteer for about 8 years with the organization I traveled to, mainly recruiting students who wanted to live the same experience. After different work experiences, I joined STEP in 2011.
Miren
Director
I was born in Bilbao in 1981 and since I was a little girl I dreamed with travelling and visiting different countries. When I was 15 years old I went to the USA as an exchange student for a whole academic year. I lived in Colorado for 10 wonderful months. When I came back home I decided to do my bachelor of English Philology. During my years in college I collaborated with STEP as a group leader for and in October 2006 I joined STEP as a full time employee.
Jennifer Silverman Souther
Program Director
I attended Northern Essex Community College and graduated with a degree in Human Services. I worked with disadvantaged teenage moms, and at-risk youth for many years. In 2002, I was asked to help with a group of exchange students. That summer I managed a group of 17 students for STEP. Gradually over the years, my involvement with STEP grew. Managing Most of New England. For a few years Long Island too. I also oversee outbound groups of students to Spain. The greatest part about my job is seeing the friendships formed between families and students.
Our Programs
Host Family
Families across the Eastern United States are able to get the student exchange experience by hosting a student. Students arrive in the US from Spain and are interested in taking interesting classes, meet new friends, but most importantly, getting to know a new community and culture. We are looking for interested families hoping to gain from the culturally immerse experience that STEP has to offer and that has the capacity to take on a student.
Outbound
American students that want a unique experience in Spain are able to contact us and learn about an opportunity of a lifetime. American students can learn Spanish, meet a new family and new friends, and get the opportunity to travel in a safe environment under the guidance of a reputable program and trusted family.
Director Letter
Dear families:
Three long years have passed since STEP students were hosted in New England. Covid has changed so much around the world. Like most of you we were unsure of what would happen next. At some points unsure if travel would happen again. We always thought exchange programs help to improve international understanding.
That the relationships created between you and the students that participate are so strong and wonderful. These relationships go on to shape everyone's lives.
And in the world today we need more and more of these initiatives to contribute to peace and love. Traveling and experiencing new perspectives. It breaks down stereotypes, and fosters diplomacy. I can assure you the students are so eager to go and live with their American family that you will love the experience .
Thank you very much for your help.
Miguel Amigo
Director and Founder of STEP
Student Travel Exchange Program
