Argentinian students came from the Instituto Evangélico Americano (IEA) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and spent two weeks in Chicago. There were 24 students and six teachers who came for their summer break, which starts in January and ends in February.

The exchange program started in 2013 when the Spanish classes did a Spanish literacy program at the district office where they assisted parents and their children before they came to high school here in America.

“Through that exchange I met Simeon Stumme who is a professor at Elmhurst University. He was raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina at IEA and he usually has a class of juniors and seniors that visit him at Elmhurst and they take a few English classes there, as well. He asked me if it would be okay if they came to Niles West,” Spanish teacher Luisa Karimighovanloo said.

The Argentinian students have visited every year in February since then, and in 2015 the first group at West was able to go to Buenos Aires every other year to visit. However, during COVID West students and Argentinian students didn’t travel to either school, so this is the first year back. West students are still unsure if they are going to be able to visit Argentina.

“I don’t know what the districts take is on sending West students to Argentina. I’ve seen a lot of changes and not for the positive when it comes to exchanges, they seem to give us all the responsibilities so they can have fewer things to do. However, I do hope they allow another trip, but I understand it is an expensive trip and I’m sure the district wants to safeguard their budget,” Karimighovanloo said.

While the Argentinian students were here, they shadowed a West student, and every day they had to write in a journal to explain what they did and put in pictures as well. While they were here, many students had a great experience and got to reflect on the differences between their school and Niles West.

“The people here are so kind and friendly and they guide you anywhere you need to go. People here are definitely more innocent. For example, in Argentina, you might listen to insults every day, or maybe the desk in each room is written with insults. Although, the characteristics are pretty similar,” IEA student Franco Galzenati said

Students stayed in a hotel in River North and they got around Chicago through a van. Students visited many places and got to experience new things.

“The main difference is the type of food. This place is filled with fast food restaurants which is different because we tend to eat in a healthier way. Also, the plates in Argentina are smaller and not as abundant,” Galzenati said

Between the West and Argentinian students, friendships were made and the students in the program were able to learn a lot from one another. The Argentinian students were especially excited to see the daily life at West.

“The best part was making a new friend and being able to show her what school is like here. I also learned to be more kind and open to trying new things. Each student came into the school looking forward to learning about us and how we worked, it really showed me how much a different mindset could affect our outlook on everything,” West student Carissa Uy said.

Feb. 13 was the first day the Argentinian students came to West, and they were supposed to come back the next day, Feb. 14. However, due to a water main break in Skokie, students weren’t able to stay at West for the day. Students were looking forward to attending the basketball game, but all after-school activities were canceled. Instead, they went to Brunch Cafe for breakfast.

“Thanks to Christine Gonzales, the chaos and mess of Friday was under control because of her. She came to see us and how we were doing at Brunch Cafe, and she also said that she would find a budget within the language department, principal office and district to cover the cost at Brunch Cafe,” Karimighovanloo said.

This past weekend students from both schools ended up bowling and eating at Lou Malnati’s pizza.

Everyone had a good time even with all the issues and the goals of the exchange were achieved.

“The ultimate goal for our students is to see there is more world than Skokie and Morton Grove. There is a big world out there and hopefully, we’re training them to be international students at some point,” Karimighovanloo said,