Students from Argentina visited Marist High school to learn and experience both American culture and meet their Marist counterparts. The group of students visited from October 8 through 17.
While in The United States they adventured to multiple different places, encountered both American cuisine and lifestyle, made new friendships and life experiences, and enhanced their language skills to new levels.
“When we were hosting our exchange students it was so cool to show them all around the area, especially because we were able to drive them around to places like Target and the mall, while in Argentina they don’t even have their licenses yet,” said senior Izzy Locastio.
The foreign exchange program at Marist gives students the opportunity to host a foreign student in their home to provide them a welcoming environment in America. Students at Marist who host a student are also given the possibility to visit Argentina and experience their culture.
“I was really interested in hosting an exchange student because it was never something I had done before and it seemed fun. I also think that visiting Argentina would be so beautiful and memorable,” said senior Sam Fontaine.
“The reason I wanted to host was because when the previous exchange students were here at Marist, I was really interested in hosting one and from then I decided that I was going to try and get an exchange student,” said Locastio.
While the exchange students were here they did numerous things such as visiting Six Flags for Fright Fest, viewing the architectural staples of Downtown Chicago, and partaking in the boat tour on the river.
“One of my highlights when hosting my exchange student, Jacques, was him being able to see such an American thing like Six Flags. I think he really enjoyed it and spent so much time with his friends exploring all the different themed zones around the park,” said Locastio.
The Argentinians spent 10 days in Chicago before going back to their home country.
“Even though I was sad to have my exchange student leave it was still nice to know that I, myself, would be able to visit Argentina during spring break and I will be the one to have the opportunity to see what the country has to offer,” said Locastio.
“My exchange student Olivia was so kind to me throughout her stay, so it was a bit sad that she had to leave but I think overall almost every person involved with either hosting or visiting had a good time and now I’m really looking forward to see Argentina soon,” said Fontaine.
