After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the world language exchange trips have finally returned. This unique experience offers sophomores the opportunity to spend twelve to sixteen days abroad in various countries, ranging from France to Argentina. This year, in addition to sophomores, juniors taking Chinese or German are also invited to join these exchange trips as their trips were cancelled last year due to COVID-19. Sydney Martin (’24), who studies Chinese, comments, “When I first heard that our exchange trips were cancelled last year, I was sad to be missing out on such an unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, I understood that it was not safe to go on this trip due to the circumstances at the time. I am ecstatic that I have the opportunity to go to Taiwan and participate in the exchange trip this year since I have heard stories about how fun and enriching these trips can be.”

In past years, students have visited a host school, attended classes, lived with a host family, and experienced daily life in their host community. In return, Cary Academy students and their families hosted the students from sister schools for a home-stay experience in our community. This year, however, a new opportunity has emerged. Students studying Spanish and Chinese have the option to engage in a travel-only opportunity and participate in a language based touring program. Instead of going to Argentina or China, these students will visit either Peru or Taiwan. In Peru, students will engage in a myriad of exciting learning activities, such as exploring Peruvian craft markets in Pisac and rafting through the Sacred Valley, which winds through major Inca sites and features beautiful scenery. Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip will be hiking and exploring the breathtaking Machu Picchu. In Taiwan, students will visit the Shilin Night Market and have the opportunity to learn about Taiwanese cuisine while enjoying delicious, authentic Asian street food. In addition, they will volunteer with Sweet Potato Mama, a Taiwanese organization that helps single mothers live independently by allowing them to become vendors of the traditional Taiwanese sweet potato.

Students taking French, German, and Spanish still have the option to do the two-way exchange and live in their exchange students’ homes for two weeks. This opportunity allows students to become immersed in French, German, or Spanish culture—something that is often difficult to experience later in one’s life. French student Anika Kadumpalli (’25) remarks, “I am so happy that we are going on exchange trips this year. I think that this is an important opportunity that will strengthen my understanding of French culture and will help me in my French class at Cary Academy. I am so excited to meet my exchange student and feel so fortunate to be able to see France for the first time.”