Over spring break, several Upper School students participated in a biennial exchange program with our partner school in Argentina, Instituto Albert Einstein (IAE). With Upper School World Languages Teachers Kelly Weidenmiller, Christopher Barker, and Daniel George as their steadfast chaperones, students enjoyed a feast for the senses and the brain-building fun of a Spanish-language immersion adventure.
Day 1
After a long day of travel, the students explored Buenos Aires. They visited the historical landmark of Plaza de Mayo, the president’s workplace, la Casa Rosada, the cathedral of Pope Francis, and the neighborhoods of La Boca where soccer fans were gathering for a game that evening. They also walked Puerto Madero, a waterfront central business district, and the oldest barrio in Buenos Aries, San Telmo. They finished the night at the famous Pizzería Güerrín and had a lovely evening stroll along the world’s widest avenue, Avenida 9 de Julio by el Obelisco.
Day 2
Another great day in Buenos Aires found students and their chaperones visiting the northern side of the city and the outskirts, including the Tigre Delta, a sprawling maze of rivers and canals where they took a boat ride. They explored the La Recoleta neighborhood and cemetery, one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. It contains the graves of notable people, including Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, the founder of the Argentine Navy, and military commanders such as Julio Argentino Roca. They participated in a tango dance lesson before a spectacular dinner and tango show to close the night.
Carrie Clennan ’26 said, “In Buenos Aires, we went to La Boca; we explored the city with our tour guide Daniela and bus driver Walter. We saw El Rio de la plata, went to a gaucho ranch, and did so many incredible things. I loved getting to immerse myself in the Spanish language and Argentine culture. One of my highlights in Buenos Aires was going to the tango lesson, dinner, and show. I was blown away by the talent, and the food was incredible.”
Day 3
This fun-filled day started with a visit to the small country river town of San Antonio de Areco on their way to a gaucho ranch, Estancia El Ombú de Areco. At the estancia, students rode horses around the property, enjoyed empanadas, and relaxed in the shade overlooking the beautiful property and the horses. They relaxed underneath a tree for lunch and enjoyed a traditional asado (Argentinian barbecue), including course after course of delicious meats served by the gauchos who work on the ranch. While listening to traditional music, they learned a few folkloric dances and were wowed by a demonstration of the gaucho tradition of creating close bonds with their horses.
After returning to Buenos Aires, they explored an incredible historic theatre turned bookstore and finished the evening with a light dinner, walking, and shopping.
Day 4
They boarded a bus for the five-hour ride from Buenos Aires to the coastal town of Mar del Plata. Arriving at the local bus station, they were greeted by two teachers from IAE. All of the families and students at the school greeted the MICDS students with signs and a wonderful welcome reception. Afterward, students headed off to their respective host family homes in Mar del Plata.
Day 5
MICDS students began their first day of school at IAE, which started with a welcome assembly where all students introduced themselves before an IAE alum performed a short concert. MICDS students buddied up with their host students for a day of shadowing in classrooms and enjoyed various after-school activities and dinner with their families.
Day 6
The Havanna factory was a happy diversion from classroom time. The Havanna company produces some of the most iconic sweets in Argentina, including Alfajores, a delightful confection typically made of flour, honey, and nuts. Students learned about the entire process and were gifted a generous box of Alfajores to enjoy and take home!
At each homestay, the welcoming Mar Del Plata families had fun activities planned and exciting traditions and customs to share, which was exciting for everyone.
Final Days
After a typical day of class, MICDS students then visited the elementary and middle school English classrooms (grades 4-6) and led lessons as the expert native speakers. They shared information about St. Louis, sang songs, and answered questions from the inquisitive students.
“Going to school in Mar del Plata was definitely a different experience,” said Clennan. “But it was really cool to see how much Spanish I could understand in the classroom. I was nervous about my abilities, and at times it was hard to communicate and understand, but I found that the more I tried to speak in Spanish, the easier it got.”
Daniel George added, “There were so many unforgettable moments, but one that stood out was the incredible welcome the MICDS students received from their IEA exchange partners and their families. The energy and excitement at that first meeting set the tone for a truly special exchange. Another highlight was experiencing authentic Argentine culture—whether it was riding horses, sharing a meal around a traditional asado, or standing in the Plaza de Mayo in front of la Casa Rosada, where so much history has unfolded. These experiences were not just fun but deeply enriching, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.”
On their last day, students and their buddies celebrated at a farewell party at a yacht club with food, fun, beach time, and a boat ride.
Clennan said, “My favorite part of the trip was spending time with my exchange family in Argentina. I instantly felt a connection with all of them, and they made me feel so at home. My buddy Kiara has become like a sister to me, and I loved spending time with her, the family, and so many new friends. In addition to the countless photos and memories, I brought back a list of Argentine slang, a tub of dulce de leche, and a personalized mate, which I really enjoy. My favorite foods were the medialunas from Sao, the dinner at the tango show, the giant asado meals, and the dulce de leche with bananas. Now that I’m making this list, I’m realizing that everything I ate was incredible. I am so grateful to have been a part of this exchange, and I can’t wait to host my new hermana perdida in September.”
Taylor Nuzum ’26 said, “The Buenos Aires portion of the trip was exciting; Mar del Plata was life-changing. The connections I formed with my student, Ori, and her family were rapid and substantial despite the language barrier. I loved getting to know all the students there, and I truly did feel like a celebrity around campus. Another highlight was the easy beach access and the near-perfect weather.
“I was primarily nervous about not connecting with Oriana or not being able to communicate well enough in Spanish, but both of those concerns quickly faded once we made it to Mar del Plata. The main thing I learned from all the Argentinians I met is the importance of treating strangers like potential friends rather than foreigners. Every Argentinian I met embraced me with open arms and a kiss on the right cheek. They were all so welcoming, curious about my way of life, and overjoyed to be able to show me theirs.”
“Seeing the students step out of their comfort zones and grow both personally and culturally was incredibly rewarding,” said George. “Watching them form meaningful connections with their host families, engage in conversations in Spanish with increasing confidence, and embrace new experiences with enthusiasm made the trip truly special. It was also heartwarming to see how they navigated differences with respect and curiosity, broadening their perspectives in a way that only immersive travel can provide.”
Hasta la próxima, Argentina! We look forward to reuniting with our IAE buddies in September.