Sacred Heart Exchange
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is part of a Network of Sacred Heart schools from around the world. The Sacred Heart Exchange Program offers our sophomore girls the opportunity for growth through the discovery of another culture. They become independent and self-directed young women in an environment that is different yet familiar, as they travel within the United States or overseas to Sacred Heart schools and live with Sacred Heart families. #wearesacredheart
I had an amazing time in New Zealand. The Sacred Heart Exchange Program helped me to grow into a more confident and independent young woman. I made a close and lifelong friend with my exchange student, Emily. I learned about a culture that I would have possibly never have known and met so many amazing people along the way! I am so grateful that Stone Ridge offers this wonderful experience!
- Caroline '21
By participating in the exchange program, I was completely immersed in Spanish culture and life, and not in just the cliché traveler's way. I lived life more as a "madrileña", and less as an American teen in Spain, as the Sacred Heart connection allowed me to start my experience already having something in common with the students there. Exchange truly changed my outlook on the world we live in and provided me the opportunity to create long-lasting friendships across the globe.
- Lourdes '21
Exchange proved to be just as fun and interesting as I believed it would be. I made new friends, with my exchange students, her friends and her family. I experienced a different culture and I improved my skills with the French language. There were some unexpected challenges as I did not comprehend fully how difficult it would be to keep up with what they said in a language I had only studied for a year and a half. But in the end this only proved to be more fulfilling as I could measure how my comprehension improved. In the end, the greater proficiency with which I spoke the French language proved to be, besides the new friends I made, to be the most fulfilling part of my journey.
- Caroline '21
While going to school in Barcelona, I was not only able to develop relationships with my Sacred Heart brothers and sisters in Spain but also able to meet students from the Sacred Heart School in Atherton, California. The Sacred Heart Network gave us an instant sense of connection and community that would be hard to replicate in any other way. We were able to swap stories about the similarities and differences between our schools and talk about our cherished traditions.
- Kate '21
My exchange was uniquely Sacred Heart because I was able to go with one of my Stone Ridge friends. It was really fascinating to see how Sacred Heart is present at the other school. With a network like Sacred Heart, exchange is such a great experience because you are able to connect with a global community that has similar goals and values.
- Hannah '21
My trip to Santiago, Chile was one of the most remarkable experiences. The family and the girls at the school were incredibly welcoming and nice and made me feel right at home. I learned a lot about myself as an individual through my experience, as it taught me to be more independent and taught me more about our Sacred Heart community worldwide. I got to experience Chilean masses, different Sacred Heart traditions, and the beauty of Santiago itself. The Chilean girls became like a second family to me and I will never forget the meaningful time I shared with them.
-Anna '21
On my exchange trip to Mexico City I spent three weeks with Natalia and her family, an experience that showed me what it was like to live with three sisters at home. It was also amazing to discover the Sacred Heart connection with over 300 "sisters" at Colegio Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, the school I attended. One of my most significant memories was a day trip we took to Teotihuacán, where I was immersed in a rich history of Aztec culture meeting modern day Mexico. Similarly, el Centro history is embedded within modern society. While walking through the streets, passing vendors and stores, I was astonished by the ancient ruins and temples that still stood. I am so thankful to have been granted the opportunity to participate in the exchange program and to learn and live beside my new sisters.
- Camylle '21
Going on exchange to Seville was definitely a highlight of my time at Stone Ridge. Not only did my Spanish improve, but I also formed close relationships with people that I will never forget. In particular, being able to visit Spain and the culture as if I lived there and not as a typical tourist was especially unique. Exchange not only helped me grow personally, but also gave me the experience of a lifetime.
- Emma '20
Linnea '21 made a One-Second-A-Day video of her visit to Sydney, Australia. Bet you want to travel the world now.
The Sacred Heart Exchange Program offers our students opportunities for growth through the discovery of another culture. This is a unique opportunity to master a foreign language, discover another part of the world, make new friends, and learn and appreciate another culture.