Torch - Spring 2016

31 / 44

| SPRING 2016 • TORCH 29
Caroline French
Hong Kong International School 2015, Hong Kong
Last year, I went on exchange to Hong Kong. The decision to go abroad
was easy for me, but deciding to go to Hong Kong was a harder one.
I wanted to be able to experience something that was completely
different from what I was used to. I knew virtually nothing about Hong
Kong. Before my exchange began, I was nervous that I had made the
wrong decision. But, when my partner Kristy arrived in Toronto, all
of my fears left me. After an amazing month with her, it was only a
week until I was off to Kristy’s home. While there, I experienced new
things and tried different and exciting foods. A great part about my
experience was meeting new people. The first day I went to school, I
was alone. Kristy was sick and I didn’t sleep the night before due to
jet lag. Needless to say, my nerves were running high and I thought
I couldn’t do it. I quickly learned that I had nothing to be worried
about. Although the school was very different from Havergal, I felt
that I was part of a community. Going to Hong Kong was definitely
the right decision for me. I had such a great time, and the city is such
a wonderful place with so many things to do that I would go back
there in a heartbeat. For me, going on exchange was all about visiting
a city where I could really experience a different culture. I learned a lot
about going with the flow because everything doesn’t always end up
the way you expect it. The exchange program really taught me to be
open-minded and to appreciate differences.
Alex Salom
St George’s College 2016, Buenos Aires
When I heard about applications for the exchange program in Grade 9,
I was eager to join. I attended the meeting and heard a student speak
about her experiences in Argentina the previous year. I fell in love with
the idea of travelling to Argentina and seeing the difference between
our two cultures. In the summer, I was excited to learn that I was
selected to go to Argentina. My exchange partner, Wendy, came to
Toronto in January. We got along very well, and she had the chance to
experience the Canadian lifestyle. During our time together, I learned a
lot about myself as a host. I discovered that I was outgoing,
adventurous and caring. Hosting Wendy truly brought out the best in
me because I felt like I had another sister at home. I am on my way to
Argentina as I write this. I have dreams about exploring the capital city
and experiencing different cultural events. During my time abroad, I
hope that my Spanish improves, I make new friends, I learn new things
in my classes and I discover more about myself.
French (middle, left) with new friends in Hong Kong.
Salom takes in her new surroundings in Buenos Aires.