Building Connections Across Continents: Chilean Students Visit French International

For two weeks this month, 20 students from the Greenhouse School in Temuco, Chile, visited French International. From September 12 to 25, the visiting students stayed with French International eighth graders and their families, experiencing life in Portland while becoming part of the school community.

During the school week, the Chilean students joined their host students in classes, giving them a firsthand look at school life at French International and a chance to learn alongside their new friends. They also participated in the Peace Day assembly, singing the song “Color Esperanza" by Diego Torres for the school.

Outside of school, host families helped their exchange students experience the Pacific Northwest and some of the things that make Portland and Oregon unique. Families had the freedom to plan excursions and experiences for their students. Some took students to Multnomah Falls and the Oregon Coast; others spent time doing traditional fall activities like visiting a pumpkin patch and picking apples. The whole group attended a Portland Thorns game and sat in the fan section.

However, the most meaningful part of the exchange was often the opportunity to learn from one another.

“I learned a lot about Chile, the culture, what they eat, and what they do in their free time,” said Miles, who also hosted a Toulouse student during last year’s exchange. “[The exchanges] are a great way for both of us to learn about another culture.”

For French International students, hosting an exchange student offers more than an opportunity to see their own community from a different perspective, discover similarities and differences, and build a relationship with someone from another part of the world.

“There are a lot of things we had in common, but a lot of differences too,” said Emily. “They have different customs. It was fun to learn about that too.”

These experiences are an important part of helping our students develop the curiosity, empathy, and global perspective that are central to our mission. 

And the global connections don’t end here. In May, a group of French International eighth graders will travel to Temuco to visit the Greenhouse School. There, they will experience life in Chile, continue learning about their host country, and reconnect with the friends they made here in Portland.