MIDDLESBORO - When you think of people from Spain, do you think of a humble, enthusiastic young gentleman who just adores the students of Middlesboro High School and the area? If not, then meet Mr. Calvo. He is part of a Spanish Exchange program between the United States and Spanish Department of Education.

At first glance, Antonio Calvo appears to be just another teacher but if you look further and listen, you will find he has discovered what so many of us take for granted.

"I decided to come here to Kentucky because it was my second time that I have been to Kentucky," said Calvo. "I very much liked the place and the area. I had a good experience with people and this is quite a place."

After visiting with a friend who lives in Russell County, Calvo said that he really wanted to come back to the area. He has previously worked in Spain and London, England as a Spanish teacher and wanted to come to the states. Now, he a teacher at Middlesboro High School.

"In my country, most people live in cities and I find this place to be so nice and quiet. You meet friendly people, you don't have the problems like you have in the bigger cities," he said. "I enjoyed it so much the first time I came here, I just had to come again."

It is easy to tell that Calvo is passionate about what he does. Upon arriving in August of last year, it left him little time to really adjust to the switch.

MHS principal John Chadwell recalls that while he was in the process of looking for a home, he stayed with assistant principal Ed Jones. Chadwell said Jones would repeatedly try to get Calvo to relax and watch some television but he was very insistent on doing is work.

"He's very dedicated," said Chadwell. "He would tell Mr. Jones 'I have to prepare my lessons, I've got to be ready'. We are so glad to have him here."

Calvo admits that the first month was hard because of the adjustments to a new place, new school, new home, new address, new car and all the chaotic things. He says that things were nerving for the first few days but he was very welcomed by the teachers and students.

"I am learning a lot from people, students and teachers from this area," he said. "I am very open to new experiences and I love learning the American culture, habits and ways of teaching. I think it's a good chance to experience a whole new world."

He is not only dedicated to teaching a language but also teaching the history surrounding it.

"I try to put in their minds a bit of Spanish," he said with a smile. "I show them videos of my country and maybe they will learn some history with it as well."

Calvo adds that it is not the first time he has gone abroad. When he was 19-years-old, he went to London for the first time to visit with a friend to learn English. He later earned a Master's Degree in the Spanish Language and had been working in Spain as a teacher in both Spanish and writing for two years and returned to London to teach one year of school there.

"The behavior and attitudes of the students from my country and here in Middlesboro are very similar," he said. "I understand them. When you are 13 or 14 years old, the least you want to do is go to school. I believe you can have their attention for about 45 minutes at a time, after that, they need rest."

Since MHS class periods are 90 minutes each, Calvo says he puts all the hard work and activities into the first 45 to 50 minutes of the class. After that, he tries to relax the atmosphere by allowing them to do various and less stressful activities.

"The best block I have to teach is probably the second block," he said while laughing. "I know why -- the first block, they are still sleepy and it's early so it can be a little hard, the third block, they are all hungry and have food on their minds, and the last block of the day, everyone is tired and they want to go home. I try and do the best I can. The second block seems to be ideal though."

Calvo added that another difference between his classes here and the ones overseas is the grade range.

"Here, you have freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors all together," he said. "In Spain, we have just one age group, they are not spread out. That is the only major difference."

He has played in the sport of soccer from the time he was six up until in his twenties but knee problems have restrained him to coaching the game he loves.

"When I was in Spain, I was a soccer coach for five years. I love playing with the kids."

Outside of school, Calvo enjoys skiing, working out, mountain climbing and seeing the sights. He is very anxious for spring to arrive so he can visit the mountain areas and explore in more detail that time in the classroom has not yet allowed him to do.

"This country side, it' is so beautiful," he said. "I can't wait until longer daylight hours and spring -- I am excited about taking photos and sending them back to Spain."

Calvo said that he would love to continue teaching in the states but he wasn't sure how long he would be in Middlesboro. He added it would be up to the school system, the principal and the exchange program.

"The students in this area are so polite and nice. Everyone in my class has the opportunity to speak. The relation is good with them, not like I am a classmate to them but sometimes, they need your help but good communication is important for the class," he said with twinkle and a smile. "I would love to continue here but at the moment, the experience is wonderful."