International Studies is a Zero Hour class that meets twice a month to discuss events and learn about the culture of countries that have included Costa Rica, Germany, Spain, South Africa, and more. For some of the courses, a significant element of the program is the student exchange, in which students can get paired with a foreign student. Then, for three weeks (from late February to early March), International Studies participants host their partner students in their homes. Later, in early June, participants get to enjoy another one of the main draws of the program: the trip in which travelers spend 16 days with their partner’s family in the country they’ve been studying for the past nine months.

This course can expand students’ worldviews and give them a real feel for a culture. Students’ understandings are especially aided by communication with an exchange student, rather than the surface-level understanding of a culture they would get from a typical vacation. International Studies is more approachable for many, as rather than the significant commitment of the
year-long exchanges offered by other programs, MHS’s exchange lasts only two weeks.

This program expands students’ comfort zones and teaches students about the world abroad in a distinct way they can’t get from a regular course. Daniel Trifonov, ‘27, a participant of the program, raved about it, explaining that International Studies “[built] meaningful connections and [explored] new pathways to travel.” Many students may be hesitant about the challenge and commitment that hosting an exchange student may involve, but Trifonov assured that it was “so fun to experience a new friend for a while [and] to experience American culture in a new fun way.” Gavin Durrant, ‘27, said, “it’s going to be awkward at times, [but] after a few days it’ll feel more comfortable, you just have to talk to the person.

Registration comes around in late May, so there is plenty of time to consider the opportunity of being part of next year’s exchange. Requirements include filling out a form and writing about yourself to be paired with an international student for this significant commitment.