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CCGS's unique reciprocal exchange program offers the opportunity for personal growth and independence while experiencing a different culture, school and community. 

Year 10 student Olivia reflects on her time in the United States as part of the program: 

"My time here has been incredible so far. From trying new foods and attending the famous American ‘HOCO’ dance to walking through the streets of Times Square, I’ve been fully immersed in a different culture that feels both exciting and also transformative. It’s been an undeniably eye-opening experience, especially as a foreign student navigating living the so-called 'American lifestyle.’

"Initially, I was apprehensive about stepping into an entirely new environment. The very thought of leaving almost everything behind to embrace a new lifestyle seemed extremely daunting. I was stepping fully outside my comfort zone, with the prospect of immersing myself in another country both brought me excitement but was equally nerve-wracking. However, as the weeks passed, I gradually became more comfortable and at ease living in this unfamiliar space. I discovered that even during moments of discomfort, the experiences I had, the people I met, and the openness I embraced all helped me adjust.

"I was given the unique opportunity to choreograph and teach the pep rally dance with another sophomore for the school’s Spirit Week dance competition. Together, we created a two-minute hip-hop dance featuring a mashup of popular music and brought together a group of students to make this work. This opportunity allowed me to develop new friendships and made me feel like a true part of the school community. One of the big differences I’ve noticed is that the school offers an incredible range of sports that change with each season, with the focus on athletics being a major part of EA’s school culture. I chose to play soccer for fall, and I’ve just started dance for winter. At EA, sports is not an optional extracurricular, but instead, mandatory for all students. After domino each day, which is the period between the last period and after school, all students will head to practice for about two hours. Coco and I trained with the Junior Varsity soccer team and played in about five games. Although our season was short, I had so much fun playing soccer and forming new connections across the high school. The bus rides, afternoon practices, cheering on the varsity team from the sidelines, and trips to Crumbl Cookie will remain unforgettable. Dance had only started last week but has already been off to an amazing start. Some of the styles offered here are hip-hop, lyrical and Afro-Caribbean.

"I was also lucky enough to visit Washington, D.C., during one of my first weekends here, where I saw famous U.S. historical sites such as the White House and the Washington Monument. Additionally, I’ve visited Philadelphia with the school, where I got to spend a day with other exchange students and later re-visited the city with my host family to watch a Flyers ice hockey game. Last weekend, I traveled to New York with my host and their extended family, where I saw Chicago on Broadway and explored Times Square, Central Park, and Bryant Park.

"I’m seven weeks into my exchange program, with just under a week remaining. Looking back on the past few weeks, I can confidently speak of this experience, as cliché as it might sound, has transformed me in ways I never expected. Living away from home, in a completely new environment, has taught me lessons in independence that I could never have fully grasped in my usual, comfortable life. I’ve learned to adapt, solve problems on my own, and embrace every opportunity I could seize."