Jada Alford ‘27 and Manasa Mahesh ‘27
Each year, St. Marks hosts different students from our partner schools across the globe for about a month. These exchanges include students from schools in Chile, Australia, and India, to name a few. To kick off the year, St. Marks hosted five students (two guys and three girls) from Perth, Australia, for about a month. This interview showcases their feelings and thoughts while staying here as part of the exchange!
What are your names and age?
Arlo, Jasmine, Anya, Jack, and Rowan. We are all sophomores, so our ages are 15 and 16.
Why did you choose to come to America as a part of the exchange program?
We came to America to experience American High School and America in general. We have seen it on TV, and it seemed like a great experience. St. Mark’s seemed very different from St. Hilda’s and Christ Church because it is a co-ed boarding school, so we wanted to experience a different type of school.
How was the process for coming to St. Marks?
For the girls, it was a somewhat tricky process. About 50 girls applied to come to St. Mark’s. You had to submit applications and interview. For the guys, you had to be a good student and have a good reputation. Not many guys applied, so it was easier, but there was still the whole application process.
What was the scariest part of coming to America/St. Marks?
It wasn’t really scary. Initially, it was a little nerve-racking, and we had feelings about leaving home, family, and friends. We were scared to forget stuff because we didn't know what to bring and didn't know what to do once we first got there. Evening chapel was scary, being it was more formal wear, and there was no packing list, so we didn’t have formal clothes.
What culture shocks have you experienced while here?
Tipping and taxes are very different. Tipping seems “out of control.” In America, people drive on the right side of the road instead of the left. American flags are everywhere, whether on shirts or the poles on campus. People are also very patriotic. For example, people sing the anthem before sports games. The accent is also different, and phrases/lingo people use differ from Australian lingo.
What has been your favorite part of St. Marks so far?
The people. Everyone is friendly, and there is a good culture. Because it is small, everyone is friends with and friendly with everyone.
What have been your favorite classes?
Spanish I with Profé Sellers. Ethics with Ms. Hultin. Studio II and I. French III.
How is St. Marks different from the schools you attend?
It is very different. Co-ed especially makes it very different from the other single-gender schools. Co-ed is more enjoyable; it is easier to make friends with everybody. The education style is also different. Instead of “at” you, the teacher talks “with” you. Since it is a small school, there are smaller classes. You feel as if you know everybody. Boarding makes it different because St. Marks is primarily boarding, while the schools we attend have barely any boarding (20 out of 100 in St. Hildas).
How has boarding life been?
You feel as if you are more of a part of the community. You get to know people easier and more quickly. Living on campus is lovely, and getting everywhere is so much easier. All the meals are provided instead of having to bring your lunch.
Have you enjoyed the exchange?
Yes!
