Students Become International Ambassadors

St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo has long been recognized as a trailblazer in California and beyond.  Its International Baccalaureate curriculum is designed to be relevant to today's world, and focuses on inquiry-based learning and critical thinking to develop internationally minded people.

In November, eighteen seventh and eighth graders at St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo became international  ambassadors by welcoming exchange students from Italy to their school and their homes.  

St. Mary's has partnered with the International School of Milan in Italy for the past seven years.  Each year, Italian students come to California in the fall.  They attend classes with their St. Mary's host, live in their homes, and experience life as an American student for a week. 

In the spring, the eighteen St. Mary's students reciprocate with a trip to their hosts in Milan.  They become fully immersed in Italian culture, living and working alongside their Italian partners.  They also travel throughout northern Italy to further explore Italian culture, customs and the people.

"One of our core principles is to teach a global perspective", says Headmaster John O'Brien.  "To succeed in their future lives, our students need to understand other cultures and different points of view.  This program offers our students a unique opportunity to live a different life for a few weeks." 

"Participating in the Italian Exchange really opened my son's eyes to the world", said the parent of an eighth grader.  "His horizons have expanded, and he has a deep appreciation for another culture.  The bonus is that the whole family has benefited. We skype our host family often, and even plan to vacation together this summer!  Through St. Mary's, we too have new friends in Italy, and are looking forward to new experiences!"

Click here to see the Coastline Pilot article.