Global Languages Exchange Program Expands Students’ Worldviews
Albuquerque Academy students returned this spring from global exchanges in Ecuador, France, and Germany. Living with host families and attending local schools, students engaged directly with new cultures and languages — an experience many described as both challenging and eye-opening. “I really liked getting to meet the students at the school and see what school is like in France,” Mackenzie Saiz ’27 said. “It was really nice to meet so many new friends. Everyone was so welcoming.”
Across all three destinations, students pointed to relationships as the most meaningful part of the exchange. Time spent with host families offered insight into daily life, from shared meals to weekend travel. “Meeting my host family and exploring different regions in France” stood out for Addie Haas ’27.
In Ecuador, students experienced both cultural and outdoor highlights, including a visit to Cotopaxi National Park. “We had a picnic, played games, and walked around a lake,” Sabina Cottrill ’27 said, while recalling a more adventurous journey: “We rode in the back of a truck to Cotopaxi — it was super bumpy, and we got covered in dust.”
Students also described moments of personal growth, particularly in language development. “I surprised myself,” Addie said. “By the end of the trip, my understanding of French had significantly improved.” Chaperones noted similar growth. Kirke Maier described a highlight as hearing students reflect on cultural differences and articulate how their perspectives had shifted.
The program was led by Global Exchange Director Laura Cruz, with support from Samuele Baca and Nobuko Salazar. Faculty leaders included Kirke Maier and Karina Peña in Germany, Genevieve Leitner and Matthew Smith in Ecuador, and Rodrigue Bognolok and Laura Cruz in France.
Students returned with strengthened language skills and broader global awareness — along with experiences that will continue to shape their perspectives. “It was an incredible experience,” Addie said, “and I would recommend it to anyone.”
Student Scientists Continue Work in Costa Rica
For the second spring in a row, Academy science students took their skills to the forests of Central America, traveling to the Bri Bri community in southern Costa Rica to monitor water quality, lend a hand in other ways, immerse themselves in a new culture, and have some fun. Eighteen juniors and seniors made the eight-day trip with three faculty chaperones.
They tested water samples for Coliform and E. Coli, as well as evaluating the Bri Bri food systems for microplastic intrusion. “We are analyzing the plastic intrusion rates in comparison to what’s grown on the Academy campus and industrially available food from the grocery store,” says science teacher Andrés Lucero. “Our kids also got the very unique opportunity to see a functional example of agroforestry and shade-grown agriculture, which is done in a traditional method to reduce impacts of food production on a delicate rainforest ecosystem.”
On the working trip, students also helped thatch roofs, prepare food, plant and harvest crops, and conduct field research. They got to “live a part of the textbook,” says Andrés. “They observed an indigenous culture that developed with a distinct emphasis for environmental stewardship and hear and observe how that culture participates in a modern economy while preserving its heritage and traditions. And they got to see how food can be produced in a sustainable way while being conscious of the impact of the environment.”
The trip also involved a visit to the Poas volcano to learn about Costa Rica’s unique geology from a local professor, and they took a dance lesson, adding salsa and the merengue to their moves.
