For many students, studying abroad through an Exchange program is a defining experience. Milton offers four enriching Exchange programs: Spanish Exchange, French Exchange, Japan Exchange, and Chinese Exchange. Studying abroad is an important part of learning languages and immersing yourself in another culture, allowing students to build confidence in the language they speak as they are able to come face-to-face with the cultures they have studied in a classroom setting. By immersing themselves in the culture, students are able to open their eyes and assimilate into a new way of living and looking at the world.
Recently, students enrolled in the El Pilar School in Madrid, Spain came to Milton in participation of the Spanish Exchange program. They were warmly welcomed by their host families, who eagerly opened their homes and traditions, creating a genuine sense of belonging- even just for a few weeks. Throughout their stay, they got the chance to explore the vibrant city of Boston and got a firsthand experience of navigating American schools. Many of them tried American fast food for the first time and participated in various school traditions. They truly immersed themselves in the experience of Milton’s version of American school culture, maneuvering the bustling Forbes Dining Hall, navigating the lively corridors buzzing with students, hanging out at the Stu, and even attending their first football game filled with a palpable student section and showcasing the spirited community support that defines Milton.
In addition, this exchange program not only forged deeper cultural connections but also created unforgettable memories, further enhancing the lives of both the visiting students and their host families. Anisa Mukhtar ‘26, who hosted one of the Spanish exchange students, viewed it as a beautiful experience. Mukhtar said, “My exchange student and I had really similar vibes, so we ended up connecting really well, so we were able to discuss the differences in our shared cultures. I am really grateful that I hosted her because she had a really good time. She even ended up crying when we said goodbye.” Mukhtar notes that she and her family even plan to visit their exchange student in Spain next year, demonstrating the lifelong connection that this exchange program offers. It enables people from different corners of the world to come together, connect, and embrace their shared culture, all while forming meaningful connections and fostering understanding.
In addition to hosting opportunities, exchange programs also allow Milton students to go to other countries. For Spanish and French Exchange students, a Milton student can either participate in a two-week immersion program or engage in a School Year Abroad (SYA), a program that lets students study abroad for a semester or even for a full year. For the Japan Exchange program, students do a short-term one-week immersion in a school. Laney Solter ‘26, who went to France for a full year, recounts that “there is no better way to learn a language than through immersion. The experience I had learning the French way of life was unlike anything I would have been able to experience here in the States. It was an incredibly enriching and life-changing journey.” Each year, numerous students embark on trips, sharing that these experiences stand out as one of the greatest experiences of their lives. For instance, in 2024, 35 Milton students took part in the Japan Exchange Program, spending two weeks visiting Japan and learning about its culture. In the same year, 13 Milton students participated in the French Exchange program, and 20 Milton students went on the Chinese Exchange trip in 2019. Students who have experienced Exchange programs often feel that immersing themselves in the local culture through family gatherings, traditional festivals, and everyday activities, has significantly enriched their understanding of the language. Many expressed that exchange programs leave them with no regrets.