“The essence of intercultural education is the acquisition of empathy-the ability to see the world as others see it, and to allow for the possibility that others may see something we have failed to see, or may see it more accurately.”
-Senator J. William Fulbright

On a grey, blustery Saturday morning, 10 students and their teacher from the American School Foundation (ASF) in Mexico City arrived on campus for a week of cultural exchange. Finally, a year of planning, conversations, and Zoom meetings came to fruition. We sat down to a lunch of Texas barbecue and within minutes, it seemed like the students had known each other for years. Because the students and families had already visited via Zoom, they picked up like longtime buddies. In classic middle school fashion, the girls screamed and embraced another while the boys grunted “hey” and gave bro hugs.

The following day, Sunday, the students and chaperones visited the San Antonio Rodeo and Stock Show where they jostled their stomachs on the rides and a student proclaimed that one ride “sucks your soul out.” We also watched mutton busting and pig racing and had an authentic Lone Star experience.

Over the course of the week, they also visited the Alamo, took a boat ride along the Riverwalk, hiked with a naturalist across the landbridge in Hardberger Park, practiced their Texas two-stepping and line dancing, and attended their first Middle School Dance in our gym. And of course, they shopped and shopped.

The visiting students also sat in on classes, went through the school day with their newfound classmates, and ate meals daily from the Keystone lunch program, which they loved. “Your lunches are so good” they proclaimed as they got seconds, and in some cases, thirds and fourths. This incredible week came thanks to all the hard work of Ms. Matthews and the ASF Head of Middle School Ms. Mary Elise Grassmuck, and we are all grateful for them.

In conversations over the course of the week, the students from ASF had much to share. They were impressed with the diligence of Keystone students, both in school and at home. They said our students are very academically focused and work hard. They liked Keystone for a variety of reasons and learned valuable lessons like “the mitosis” song and dance in Ms. Vanilla’s 7th grade science class.

Perhaps even more importantly, they learned how to acclimate in a new country. According to one of the visiting students, the exchange program “gives you a new perspective on the world, makes you open minded and learn how people live differently than you and how they live similarly.” Another eighth grader from Mexico City explained the program “is amazing because you can meet new people and their culture.”

According to ASF Middle School Head Ms. Grassmuck, “Our intercambio between ASF and Keystone lets us bridge more than borders; these young people are building their own understanding of a complex cultural relationship. Through shared experiences between our Mexico City and San Antonio students, we cultivate empathy and forge lifelong connections, enriching both communities.”

Meghan Thompson, Keystone mom and host of two students from ASF, shared how she and her husband, Ian, hosted two students. “Our week and our home have been full of giggles, laughter, storytelling and lasting friendships. We’re honored to be a part of the inaugural class of exchange students between Keystone and ASF and are looking forward to Charlotte’s experience in Mexico City.”

Another benefit of travel and hosting is the opportunity to see your own world anew. As the young adults discussed their different schools, Cobras were intrigued by what they heard about ASF but also stressed how much they appreciated Keystone. Both are excellent schools, but they are different institutions with different rules, cultures, and mores. Sometimes, we need to observe how someone else views our “home” to appreciate it even more.

Next week, our students will travel to Mexico City where they will switch roles and be guests in another country. Accompanied by Ms. Matthews, they will attend classes at ASF and visit cultural institutions in that amazing city. We look forward to hearing their tales and learning about their adventures.

As Ms. Matthews says, “The Keystone and ASF Exchange is creating new and exciting experiences for students allowing them to expand their social network, create deeper understanding and appreciation for people from an array of cultures, and foster independence. Visiting and host students have become invested in learning about each other and cultivating new friendships. Students are being exposed to different teaching styles, school cultures, and ways of thinking about what it means to be a student and learner. They are discovering a new sense of independence and self-confidence that comes from being in situations a little outside of one’s comfort zone. There is a wonderful and joyful sense of personal achievement that comes from trying something new, and this entire experience is certainly that.”

We wish our Cobras and their chaperone “Buen Viaje!”