This strong international network enables the girls from the various schools to interact with one another and undertake regular cultural visits. St Margaret’s students have benefited enormously from such opportunities, and the school plays host to over 30 foreign students every year, providing them with the chance to immerse themselves in Chilean life.
Exchange students have the option of a four-week, term or year-long stay at St Margaret’s, during which time they live with a local family. ‘Our visitors are treated like one of the family,’ says Rosemary Faille, International Affairs Coordinator. ‘Apart from improving their Spanish, what visiting students really enjoy is the Latin American experience.’
That experience is further enhanced by weekly field trips, which range from visiting a horse show or sightseeing in the capital to modeling clay in a pottery town.
In addition, the school encourages pupils to get involved with community projects. These can include providing for children with special needs, visiting hospital wards or teaching English.
Headmistress Carolyn Pettersen explains: ‘It is our aim that guests will broaden their global outlook, establish new friendships that last for good and learn to use their initiative and develop independence – skills that will stand them in good stead for life.’