International Exchange Program

St. Mary’s has implemented an optional exchange program for students in grades 7 and 8 with opportunities to travel abroad. St. Mary’s has entered into a sister school arrangement with the International School of Milan which allows for students to live with host families for one week while attending ISM classes with their student hosts. This program allows for eye-opening adventures while participants gain in-depth knowledge of other cultures, customs, and people.

During the second week, students explore the Italian countryside taking in many historic and memorable sites. This program fosters understanding among young people from different backgrounds, widens perspective which stimulates personal growth, encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures, promotes leadership skills, and offers an opportunity to explore academics from another country.

Itineraries for the week of travel vary by year. Below is an itinerary from our most-recent trip*:

2007 Travel Itinerary

Day One: Depart Milan for Pisa. Tour Piazza dei Miracoli, Duomo, Leaning Tower, Baptistery and Camposanto Cemetery. Journey to Florence.

Day Two: Tour Florence including Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio.

Day Three: Depart for Siena Tour II Campo, the city square,City Tower, Duomo and Baptistery.

Day Four: Depart for Rome. Evening walk visiting the Campo de'Fiori, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Day Five: Vatican Musuem St. Peter's Basilica, Pantheon, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, St. Peter in Chains and the Victor Emmanuel Monument.

Day 6: Fiumicino Airport for return to Orange County.

*This itinerary does not include the one full week spent living with Italian host families while students attend the International School of Milan.