The Marist School Exchange Programme – Trip to South Africa

After we welcomed Edie Jardine from St Henry’s Marist College in South Africa to the Marist School on 4 May, she returned home on 23 May—this time with Marist pupil Olivia Marchese accompanying her for three weeks. If you’d like to read more about Edie’s experience at our school, please click here.

Olivia shared an engaging account of her exchange experience, which can be read below.

In these recent months, I had the privilege of being selected to represent the school in a student exchange programme with St Henry’s Marist College in Durban, South Africa. Taking part in this experience was something I never thought I would find myself doing and I can safely say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. At first, I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect from the exchange. However, I found myself making some of the happiest memories and finding incredible friends and family who guided me through my journey – people I will never forget.

I am so grateful for being able to introduce where I live to my amazing exchange partner, Edie, and to welcome her into our home. We took her to London where we went to the Royal Ballet and the London Eye; we drove up to the countryside, and we went to Harry Potter Studios. She experienced school life here at the Marist and took part in our lessons as we welcomed her into our class – which I later found to be very different to her school life in Durban.

Before arriving at St Henry’s, I honestly had no idea what it was going to be like joining such a different school halfway across the world with people I didn’t know.  However, I found myself warmly welcomed at St Henry’s Marist College and was made to feel completely at home. I had a welcoming in assembly and joined in with my grade’s after-school clubs and lessons – even somehow achieving 100% in an Afrikaans oral exam. I felt in the right place – in a way I can’t quite describe – amongst the sunny and kind St Henry’s community. General school life in South Africa is very different from here and I found myself often not knowing what was going on around me, but I quickly picked up on the little customs and slang and eased into everyday life. During my stay, we went to watch rugby matches at school; we went up to the mountain areas; spent time at the beach: and had a bonfire with my close friends.

One of the best things I have gained from this whole experience has without a doubt been the friends I have made. The people I have met have been some of the kindest and smiley I’ve known – even those who I only brushed passed in the corridor were so welcoming and uplifting.

From this experience, I have learnt so much about South Africa’s incredible culture and got to know some amazing people I hugely miss and will never forget, including Edie’s family and two dogs. I pushed myself completely out of my comfort zone – and learnt it was worth it.

This has given me the confidence and independence to strive to do so much more and given me a wide view of the real world and real life in a place completely different from here. I have learnt that 3 weeks goes by very quickly when you’re having fun. The memories and the kinds of bonds you make with people in such a short space of time surprised me – but it’s only reason to go back.

Congratulations to Olivia on being selected for our student exchange programme! We’re so proud of her for embracing this exciting opportunity and stepping outside her comfort zone. It’s the start of an incredible journey filled with new experiences, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. Well done, Olivia!