Global and Experiential Opportunities

Swan?sIsland Field Research

Scienceteacher ErikaRhilehasbeen workingwith Dr. Peter Petraitis, Professor Emeritusof Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, on research regardingthe ecological mechanismsthat maintain strandsof algae and bedsof musselsand barnaclesin theGulf of Maine asdistinct, self-sustainingcommunitiesfor over twenty years. Each spring, asmall group of studentshavethe opportunity to assist in thisresearch project on Swan?s Island, asmall island located six milesoff thecoast of Mount Desert Island. Studentsaretaught research methodsincludingfield sampling, organism counts, and statistical and microscopic analysis. Thisimmersion experienceisopen to studentsin grades10-12. Students areselected for their interest in environmental studies and theoutdoors, their appeal in theAdvanced Placement and marinesciencecoursesoffered, and their overall academiccompetencein thesciences.

Italian ExchangeProgram Studentsfrom Leo XIII Institute, aJesuit secondary school in Milan, Italy, stay with host familiesfor four monthsand attend classeswith host studentsaspart of acultural exchangeand languageimmersion. Theremay bean opportunity for areciprocal visit to Italy.

Chilean ExchangeProgram

Cheverushaswelcomed studentsfrom theColegiosPadreHurtado y Juanitadelos Andesfor amonth-longexchangeeach springsince2000. Duringthiscultural exchangeand languageimmersion program between Cheverusand theJesuit school in Santiago, Chile, Chilean studentslivewith Cheverushost familiesand attend school for four weeks, typically from mid-March to beforeApril vacation. Thegoal of theexchangeisfor theChilean studentsto practiceEnglish and learn about U.S. cultureby experiencinglifewith aU.S. family. Thehost familiesand Cheveruscommunity also get to learn about Chilean culture, practicespeaking Spanish, and perhapsestablish lastingfriendships. To reciprocate, Cheverus studentstravel to Chilein June/July for athree-week exchangewherethey livewith Chilean familiesand attend theColegiosPadreHurtado y JuanitadelosAndes. Thetrip to Chileistypically organized asan independent experience.