2015 marks the beginning of the new Peruvian foreign exchange program. Our Mexican exchange program, which will occur for the seventh consecutive year this spring, allows for six students of all grade levels to spend five weeks experiencing life at our campus. This year, however, five students traveled 3400 miles from Lima to Dallas for the first time.
Mr. Perry, Director of Community Service and Social Justice, described the program as an “experience of hospitality,” teaching Jesuit students to welcome newcomers as family. The program focuses more on cultural experiences than academic differences, allowing for both groups to experience different lifestyles. Mr. Perry reaffirmed that although the idea might “push outside our comfort zone,” the program challenges us to truly be men for others.
Expansion to a summer Lima trip also allows Jesuit Dallas students to encounter new and diverse cultures. Joaquin Revilla is grateful because the program has “allowed me to improve my English and spiritual life.” While our city might be more urban and technological, he elaborated that the Jesuit education in Lima identically mirrors classes in Dallas. Jesuit’s founding principles appear universal, tying both ways of life together.
The exchange students have been staying in the homes of some of our fellow Jesuit Dallas classmates, including the families of Finn Maguire ’18, Teddy Hovivian ’17, Liam Finn ’16, Garrett Alldredge ’16, and Nathan Corey ’16.
This year marks the first reciprocal exchange program in years, with trips to Lima in both 2007 and 2014. Host students have a chance to visit Lima this summer, participating in a similar experience at School of the Immaculate in Lima. After taking an extra course on campus, several classmates will embark on the exciting experience of life in another country with an entirely different language.
Garrett Alldredge, one of the gracious hosts, expressed shock at how Joaquin “perfectly integrated with the family,” fitting in like a sibling to him. Thrilled to leave the country
for the first time, Garrett explained he is most excited “for mission work and to see Peru’s incredible attractions,” most especially the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
This exciting program provides a unique opportunity for new interactions and experiences. With the Peruvian program drawing to a close, the approaching Mexican immersion trips as well as service projects this summer provide countless chances to extend beyond our Jesuit family and into the community.
