German exchange students arrived at U-High on Sept. 6 and Spanish exchange students arrived Sept. 9, with each group able to explore landmarks and neighborhoods around the city. Students also shadowed their hosts during school in order to experience the academic and social environment of Lab.
The exchange program provides a safe environment for students to explore Chicago and learn about different cultures from around the world.
While in Chicago, the exchange students were busy shadowing students in school, touring Chicago’s landmarks like the Bean and museums, and attending local plays. Additionally, students were able to take a river tour of Chicago’s architecture.
Spanish exchange student Lia Rubio found the experience of living in a new culture to be one of the most fascinating parts of the trip.
“It was surprising to see how everything is so much bigger than in Spain,” Lia said. “There is so much variety in culture and people that we do not have in Spain.”
German exchange student Laurin Eichenauer was surprised by the flexibility of U-High’s schedule along with the relaxed relationship between teachers and students. Laurin was particularly surprised by the amount of freedom students are given to choose their courses.
“In Germany, we have a very set schedule. Here, it was cool to see that you can choose your own things and advance in topics farther than other subjects,” Laurin said. “I think that was very surprising in a positive way.”
Senior Charlotte Satalic, who hosted Lia, appreciated the opportunity to share her everyday life with her guest.
“I think the most rewarding experience is seeing how much fun Leah is having here. I like to hear about the different places that the program is taking her. It’s been cool showing her what my life is like and seeing how different that is from her’s.”
U-High students who traveled to Spain over the summer visited cities such as Madrid, Gijón and Covadonga, where they visited museums and landmarks as they experienced the new culture.
For Charlotte, the hardest part of the trip was learning how to speak the language more fluently.
“At first, it was difficult to understand the new vocabulary and different ways to have conversations with people, but by the end of it I feel like I could participate in conversations more fluently.”
Sophomore Ian Benert traveled to Germany and found the experience greatly improved his ability to speak in German while exploring new cities and landscapes.
Spanish teacher Dina D’Antoni, who accompanied the students to Spain, particularly enjoyed seeing students experience the new culture.
“My favorite part of the trip was experiencing it through the eyes of the student. It’s seeing them get surprised, happy, excited or anxious,” Ms. D’Antoni said. “I love getting there and seeing them all stressed and surprised by this new place.”
For the first time, exchange students will be able to experience the homecoming dance.
“All the exchange students are excited to go to homecoming,” said Ms. D’Antoni. “They were all talking about how it is like the movies.”
