In its ever-growing mission to challenge young people of promise to become self-sustaining learners and compassionate global citizens, The Miami Valley School opened its doors this month to take part in a cultural exchange with high school students from Chile.

At the beginning of the school year every year, the school welcomes about a dozen students and their teacher from the Thomas Jefferson School in Concepcion, Chile. This year was no exception, as 11 students in the program spent a two-week span learning everything they could about American culture and education from students and families at The Miami Valley School.

The program relies on upper school students and their families, who participate by becoming host families for the students, exposing both the Chilean and MVS students to an immersive experience, something central to the mission of The Miami Valley School.

Chilean students attend classes throughout the school, as well as take field trips to the Museum of the United States Air Force and Carillon Park. They participate in organized social activities including hiking, exploring Yellow Springs, and ice skating with their hosts. In exchange, the Chilean students share their culture, language, history and dance with students in all levels of The Miami Valley School.

“The Chilean exchange bolsters our international program that also includes students from China, Brazil, and Guatemala.” said Susan Strong, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs. “Our strong focus on the International program goes to great lengths in empowering our students to become compassionate global citizens.”