Exchange

One of the many opportunities Sacred Heart students have during their Academic Division years is to spend a quarter in residence at one of the other Sacred Heart School in the country, and possibly at one of the several schools abroad. The Sacred Heart Exchange program has allowed students for over thirty years to experience life in another place and with new friends and a new family.

Students who benefit most from this program are those who are self- motivated and maintain consistently good grades. Students selected for exchange are ambassadors from our school to one of our sister schools, so social maturity is also considered.

Students may apply for exchange for a part of or an entire quarter during sophomore or junior years. A few apply for first semester senior year. Interested students should discuss the opportunities with Katye Irwin, the exchange coordinator, and visit each school’s web site before making a decision.

The application process is simple: Each student must complete an application form including parents’ signatures. The faculty and Division Head are asked for their approvals. The desired schools are contacted for availability. Once a school accepts the student, a meeting is held with the student and parents to fully explore the experience.

Finding host families is probably the most difficult part of the exchange process, with so many families juggling many responsibilities. Students may chose to attend a Sacred Heart school near relatives with whom they can live. Two Sacred Heart Schools, Woodlands and Grand Coteau, are still able to provide students with a boarding experience.

We already have requests for fall semester from our own students as well as students from other Sacred Heart Schools in the Network. If parents are interested in the exchange program either in sending their daughter or hosting a student, please contact Katye Irwin at 269-1219.