Culture Exchange Program Creates Lifelong Friendships for Students
Each school year, the Academy provides students with the opportunity to host international exchange students. In January, the Academy hosted five Peruvian students from Colegio de la Inmaculada, a Jesuit high school in Lima, during a two-week period. Each student was paired with a host student from the Academy.
Referring to the opportunity, Global Program Director Rebecca Levis shared, "This is one of my favorite exchanges at SJA because of its truly authentic way of engaging in cultures and broadening worldviews. Students from both countries come together to celebrate their commonalities as they share about their lifestyles and interests, while at the same time learning to appreciate their differences. They also have the possibility of traveling to Peru for a reciprocal experience in the summer."
Five members of the community volunteered to be host students: Julia Houghtling ’26, Katherine Koeth ’27, Paris Matics ’28, Audrey Ronayne ’26 and Vera Swartz ’27. “I was the first student to volunteer,” Julia Houghtling ’26 shared. “I signed up as soon as applications came out because I love people and new experiences.”
The Peruvian exchange students shadowed their host sisters throughout the school day and immersed themselves in family life during evenings and weekends. Host families also took them around Cleveland, visiting local landmarks and exploring the city's culture. In addition, the entire group of students toured John Carroll University, visited the Cleveland Museum of Art, and participated in a service activity at the Hope Center for Refugees & Immigrants.
During the rest of the 2024-2025 school year, our Student Spotlight of the Week will feature several of the host students sharing more about their experience.
