Many students dream of studying abroad, and for two Peruvian students, this dream has become a reality. Meet sophomore Angie Lei and junior Mariano Iberico. Angie and Mariano have been given the opportunity to study side by side with Hackley students.

In addition to attending Hackley classes, Angie is currently rehearsing for Hackley’s drama production, Anon(ymous), which will be performed February 6th, 7th, and 8th.  Angie also said that she has been trying to take part in as many activities as possible, whether it be academic, dramatic, or athletic.  “I am trying to try as many things as possible to make my experience the most varied and colorful,” she said.

Mariano is currently working on a physics project with Hackley science teachers, for the International Baccalaureate or IB program. The IB is a non profit foundation that works with schools worldwide to develop challenging programs of schooling and assessment. It is an international education system that provides the same curriculum for students in different countries.

In Peru, both Angie and Mariano attend Markham, a private school located in the heart of the capital, Lima. Markham, a fellow Round Square school, has become well acquainted with Hackley over the years. Round Square is a worldwide association of schools that share a commitment beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility. As a result of the Round Square program, Hackley and Markham have developed a good relationship.

“Markham has expressed that they would be happy to have two students from Hackley come on exchange there,” said Adrianne Pierce, leader of Upper School Global studies. Sophomore Alec Linden expressed interest in a foreign exchange program. “The exchange program sounds pretty cool,” said Alec. “I think it’d be awesome to both meet new people from a different culture, and study abroad.” Mariano thinks highly of the Round Square exchange program as well. “The good thing about Round Square exchanges is that you can go to places like India, Peru, USA and France,” he said.

Both students are doing homestays with Hackley families during their time in the US. Both students have enjoyed their stays thus far. Mariano remarked, “I think it is a really nice experience in general. You get to meet people from different cultures and you learn a lot of new things. It’s a really great opportunity and it is a once in a lifetime experience.”