“10th Grade World Language Exchange Program Cancelled.” This disappointing message that students have expected for quite some time has finally been delivered to sophomores for the third year in a row. This facet of the Cary Academy experience that many students have long awaited since selecting their foreign language is beginning to appear as an idea of the past. This cancellation is due to none other than the health and safety concerns associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting travel restrictions and policies that have arisen from the Delta variant. The amalgamation of these various concerns and restrictions configure the perfect excuse for these trips to be canceled yet again. The exclusion of this vital aspect from the Cary Academy experience has not only had devastating effects on students but also on teachers, as they are being stripped of a major means by which they advance the education of their students in their particular world language.

Ms. Burgbacher, Upper School World Language Department Chair and German teacher, strongly believes in the importance of these trips, stating that “exchange trips are one of the most beneficial parts of the language program.” She further expresses her disappointment over the cancellation, adding that, in the past, she has “had students who didn’t particularly find interest or excel in the language come back from trips, transformed into a completely different learner and speaker.” Ms. Burgbacher’s words perfectly encapsulate the loss which will students will experience as a result of this cancellation of these trips. The world language trips are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The opportunity to travel to an entirely separate nation and to become immersed in its unique language and culture is something which can rarely be replicated or experienced later in one’s life.

Tess Courts (’24) recently received the news of this year’s cancellation. She comments, “I’m sad that we as a class missed out on experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity, but at the same time glad that we are all being safe and looking out for one another’s health!” Many are likely in the same boat, stuck between a state of dismay and a logical understanding of Covid-19 related concerns which justify this cancellation.

However, the loss of these trips does not necessarily mean that there are no means of participating in exceptional learning activities pertaining to our respective languages. For example, last year, students had the opportunity to participate in a number of virtual options. Foreign language teachers partnered with schools in Argentina, France, Germany, and China to connect students. Additionally, some students had the opportunity to engage in pen pal letter exchanges, join Zoom meetings, listen to guest speakers from various countries, and even embark on virtual field trips. Spanish students had the opportunity to interact through local community organizations.

Several students strategically utilized study abroad programs outside of school to their advantage to continue their exploration of their foreign language over the summer. Among these students was Mia Nesbeth (’23), who shared her thoughts on the quality of the summer experience in comparison to the anticipated exchange trips. She stated “I’m kind of sad that I missed out on the linguistic aspect of the world language trip, but I’m also sad that I missed out on a bonding experience with my fellow classmates. To fill this void, I participated in a study abroad program this summer in Toulouse, France. I got to immerse myself in French culture, which made me a better French speaker and participant in French class. Additionally, I was able to form bonds with people from all around the world. It was an amazing experience, and it was truly one of the best summers ever!”

The widespread sorrow resulting from the cancellation of these exchange trips is a figurative wound which can never be fully healed. However, not everything has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. This school year, we are still on track to participate in the same virtual experiences offered to students last school year. Even though we won’t be able to physically make the plane ride to our respective foreign countries, we will still be able to experience and enjoy many activities and opportunities.