On March 6, 12 Alexandria Country Day School families welcomed their first delegation of exchange students from the Olinca School in Mexico City. This was a wonderful opportunity to reciprocate the hospitality that the Olinca School community extended to ACDS when 26 eighth-grade students traveled to Mexico City last year. Eleven days later they said goodbye to their guests, having learned that they are more similar than different and having made wonderful new friends.
During their stay, the Olinca students went on day trips with ACDS students and accompanying ACDS parent chaperones. They visited the Smithsonian, the National Mall, Mount Vernon, Old Town, the Spy Museum and the Holocaust Museum. They were fortunate to receive tours of the Capitol from Congressman Mac Thornberry, and special tours of the Mexican Cultural Institute and Organization of American States.
Before their day trips, the Olinca students visited classes in each grade, sharing their culture with all of our students. During their visit, they gave a presentation on Mexican history to middle school students. In the evenings, they participated in typical activities with their host families and even managed to help cheer on the college basketball teams in the playoffs.
The common theme from their follow-up questionnaire was that they wished they could have stayed longer. ACDS students and parents marveled at their excellent English and their enthusiasm for travel and learning about other cultures.
ACDS’ connection to the Olinca School was based on Head of School Exie Harvey’s previous relationship with the school when he was at Charlotte Country Day School. The Olinca School has a great deal of experience with exchange programs and ACDS was fortunate to be able to share their community and culture with them.