For Students, By Students: A Guide to Exchange at Havergal
Written by Isabel Snare
Edited by Dylan Adler
Exchange is one of the most unique experiences available to students at Havergal. It is an opportunity for Grade 8 and Grade 10 students to challenge themselves by learning many valuable skills, including responsibility, leadership, self-advocacy, and adaptability. The program forces participants to fully immerse themselves in the life of a student living abroad to ultimately learn more about themselves.
If you’re a Havergal student who is considering applying for exchange, or who has already been accepted into the program, welcome! In this article, you will hear from multiple Grade 10 Havergal students who were able to go on exchange this year. Feel free to stop me or any of the interviewees in the hallway to chat further about our experiences!
Name, Exchange Location
Ruby Jean Rathwell: Durban, South Africa
Hanna Smith: Aix en Provence, France
Caitlin Jeffreys: Sydney, Australia
Jana Kalbasizadeh: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Q: What was your favourite part of going on exchange?
A: Ruby Jean - “My favourite part of exchange was fully immersing myself in the culture. I went to Durban, South Africa and I loved just being able to go to school with my partner Laeyah and getting to hang out with her friends at the mall or the beach, etc. Being able to go out to restaurants, going on hikes, and swimming just as a normal activity was so different from the culture of Toronto and it was wonderful to experience Durban life as a local.”
A: Hanna - “My favourite part of exchange was all of the amazing new people I got to meet and how much I learned about French culture and the French language. Throughout my exchange I was able to experience life as my partner Zoé would and by doing this I got a super interesting perspective on what France is like, one that I never would have gotten on a normal vacation. I found that people in Aix en Provence were incredibly welcoming and patient with my improving French and I made some friends who I’m sure I’ll keep in touch with in the years to come. It’s so cool to think about how I now have a second family and community on the other side of the sea and I can’t wait to go back and visit!”
Q: What was the most challenging part of going on exchange?
A: Hanna - “Even though I loved having the ability to be in an amazing environment to learn French it was also one of the most challenging parts of my exchange. There were so many things that I wanted to say and I feel like if there wasn’t that language barrier there would have been people who I would have connected with more. Although it was challenging I am grateful to have been in that situation because without those struggles I would have not improved as much as I did.”
A: Caitlin - “Being in a different group of friends than I was used to was a big adjustment for me, especially because I have gone to Havergal my whole life. I found it took me the first two weeks to get to know my lunch group, but once I found things I could talk about with them, it made it a lot easier.”
Q: What will be your most treasured memory from exchange in 10 years?
A: Ruby Jean - “Going on a Game drive in South Africa. I was able to see so many animals up close in their natural habitats which was so amazing to experience. I also got to pat an elephant which was a highlight of my trip!”
A: Jana - “Iguazú Falls puts Niagara Falls to shame. Even if Niagara is technically bigger in size, Iguazú Falls are situated in a lush, green jungle. The trails took us over the falls, which is such a cool perspective to take everything in. Even if you don’t like getting wet or aren’t a fan of the heat, the falls are just so gorgeous that it’s all totally worth it.”
Q: What advice do you have for Havergal students who are thinking about applying for exchange or currently in the exchange process?
A: Caitlin: “Step out of your comfort zone. I received this advice myself from my exchange dad, who actually went on exchange to Canada when he was in Grade 10. There will be lots of times where you’re nervous or a little uncomfortable doing different things, but the month will really fly by, so you really want to make the best of each moment.”
A: Jana: “On exchange, you’ll have so many unique opportunities that you’ll want to try everything. But constantly doing new things will drain you, so it’s important to know when your body needs a break and to advocate for your needs. At the same time, if you choose to hibernate in your comfort zone, you won’t be getting much out of the experience. Push yourself to participate in a new experience. Even something small like trying a new food or talking to new people can build up and create a treasured memory.”