The Big Apple enhances the exchange experience
The close proximity of New York City to Sacred Heart Greenwich attracts exchange students from across the globe. Jade Cohen ’17
Jade Cohen ’17
Convent of the Sacred Heart Greenwich offers the ideal exchange program location with the alluring New York City in convenient proximity. Just a short car ride from Greenwich, New York City entices visiting students with a multitude of tourist attractions including Times Square, Broadway shows, and Top of the Rock.
Ana Blasi, a tenth grade exchange student from Sagrado Corazón De Sarriá in Barcelona, Spain, is staying with sophomore Delia Hughes until February 5. Before her arrival in the United States, Ana knew that she wanted to spend time enjoying both Greenwich and New York City.
“In New York City I wanted to see Times Square because I have always watched the ball drop on TV. It was amazing to see,” Ana said.
Ana’s favorite part about her excursion to New York City was seeing the Broadway show, Kinky Boots. For Ana, this was a special treat as Barcelona theatre usually features only performances of classical music.
“I really liked Kinky Boots because it was my first time seeing a show on Broadway and all the actors and songs were really good,” Ana said.
Flore Surpas is a ninth grade exchange student from La Perverie Sacre Coeur in Nantes, France. Her visit to Sacred Heart Greenwich began in August and she will stay with freshman Pau Barbosa and her family until February 7. One of Flore’s favorite experiences was visiting Times Square.
“It was fun and I did not realize that I was really there,” Flore said. “It was incredible.”
Along with Ana and Flore, Australian exchange student Isabel Sigalla, from Kincoppal-Rose Bay School of the Sacred Heart (KRB) in Sydney enjoyed splitting her stay between the serenity of Greenwich and the hubbub of the city. Junior Jackie Golden hosted Isabel from January 3 to January 23. Isabel, who previously lived in New York City, chose to visit Sacred Heart Greenwich to experience the suburbs.
Prior to her visit, Isabel was most looking forward to shopping in New York City. However, Isabel’s favorite New York activity was Top of the Rock. This attraction allows visitors to experience a real-life, bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck at Rockefeller Center, 850 feet in the sky, according to topoftherocknyc.com.
While Isabel knew some of what to expect in New York City, exchange student Sara Vasquez, from Colegio Sagrado Corazón Sophianum in Lima, Peru, is a newcomer to American culture.
Sophomore Genevieve Capolongo and her family are hosting Sara until February 10. During her stay, Sara hopes to see a wide range of attractions in the Big Apple including Central Park, Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center.
Genevieve and her family, including sisters sophomore Lauren and senior Catie, plan to fulfill Sara’s wishes and give her the best experience in New York City.
“My family wants to take Sara to as many places in New York City as possible to expose her to many different things because she has never experienced a culture like ours,” Genevieve said.
Mrs. Jennifer Bensen, Upper School Academic Dean and Network Exchange Coordinator, believes that many exchange students view New York City as an added bonus to visiting Sacred Heart Greenwich.
“Many of the girls who come on exchange are excited to spend some time in New York City. They love the sites and the museums,” Mrs. Bensen said. “The same way we all want to see new things when we travel is the wish of each student who visits us on exchange.”
– Jade Cohen, Staff Writer
