Parker-Belgian Exchange Reaches 10th Year

By Languages and Cultural Studies Department Co-Chair Cynthia Marker

Last week, Upper School families received this year’s Belgian exchange group of 11 students accompanied by two of their teachers. For all the Belgian high schoolers, it was their first trip to Chicago and, for many, their first time in the United States.

Their week-long stay included Chicago tours, school visits and many other fun events, including Halloween festivities organized by their wonderful hosts. Warmest thanks to all our incredibly generous host families. When our new Belgians friends departed at the end of the week, there were tears and plans to stay in touch and reunite in the years to come.

The Belgian exchange began 10 years ago, and we feel very fortunate to maintain this relationship with the Institut du Sacré Coeur in Barvaux, Belgium, an hour outside of Liège. It has been a sincere pleasure working with the lead Belgian teacher, Françoise Ghyse, who has become a dear friend to many of us throughout the years. We’re already looking forward to the Belgians’ next visit in 2021!

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Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.