Let's Welcome back the Internationalism Pillar!

For years, the Round Square exchange program has been a prominent attraction at the Athenian school, giving students the opportunity to study abroad and host another exchange student at home. 

However, throughout the pandemic, the program came to a halt. For a year and a half,  no one was able to travel internationally through exchange. That pause was especially hard for the class of 2022, the current seniors, because many of them hosted students at Athenian and were subsequently unable to travel to their host school. Because of this, no current student at the Athenian School has completed a Round Square exchange.

During the period of absence, virtual exchanges were attempted, where students would attend online classes from another school. These exchanges were set up by Mark Friedman, the Round Square and community service coordinator for the Athenian School. 

When asked about the students' experience on virtual exchanges Friedman pointed out that “No, it’s not the same as living in another country for two months but they were really glad they did them. The students who went on these had better experiences than I would have expected.” 

While virtual exchange was indeed meaningful, some were left disappointed with the experience. “It's not even close to the same,”. Said Cecilia Bersamin ’24. “[Online exchange] is like going to some online classes on zoom where you aren’t even paying any attention, but [in-person exchange] you are completely immersed.” 

Fortunately, with the coronavirus letting up, exchanges are allowed to continue, and Mark Friedman, Head of Round Square and Community Service says “There were a lot of students that were unable to have this opportunity so I’m glad that students are able to have these experiences again.”

This year, 24 students are going on exchange to the countries of Argentina, Colombia, Peru, South Africa, Germany, Denmark, Australia, and India. So far exchanges from Colombia, Peru, Germany, Denmark, and India have attended classes at Athenian and students are excited for more to come. 

So far Bersamin ’24 is one of the only students to be in another country visiting her host family. Bersamin vouches that it is a great experience and definitely worthwhile. 

She offers advice to future exchanges: “Put yourself out there, which is hard, surprisingly.”

She explains how to combat homesickness: “Bringing a stuffed animal really helped me. Also call your family and friends. I don’t really talk on the phone very much, but calling them was nice.” 

Bersamin has been in Colombia for about a month and will return in the beginning of June. 

Phoebe Hughes ’23 is also going on exchange, and she has only hosted a student so far. 

“It was really nice getting to know someone from another country and getting to know more about what life is like for her,” said Hughes ’23. “I am most excited about seeing Camila [her exchange partner] again and learning more about Peru,” added Hughes ’23.

So far,  the exchange program has been running smoothly and everyone involved has been having fun. The program has been a staple at the Athenian School, and we hope it will stay for a long time to come.