Photo Courtesy of NATHANIEL VASQUEZ ‘25
FRENCH CUBS EXPLORE the Reims City Hall in France
In April, 16 students departed for France to participate in the second half of the Loyola–St. Joseph of Reims School French Cultural Exchange. Earlier this year, 13 French students visited Loyola, enjoying campus life for ten days by attending classes and living with host families.
The partnership between the two Jesuit schools began in 2018, when a group of Loyola seniors traveled to Europe for an art history trip. French teacher Madame Crawford-Dixon joined the group, along with several French students. During that trip, they visited St. Joseph of Reims School, a Jesuit school in Reims, France.
“That trip was the first contact made, and we thus developed a partnership with that Jesuit school,” said Daniel Annarelli, AP Art History teacher and Director of Global Education.
The collaboration officially began when a faculty member from St. Joseph of Reims reached out to Jesuit schools worldwide, seeking a partner for an exchange. Crawford-Dixon responded, and the two schools created the program. The inaugural trip took place in 2023, and the schools plan to continue this every two years.
“A prerequisite for participation is that students must be enrolled in a French class at Loyola and motivated to complete the academic component as well,” said Crawford-Dixon. The program aims to enhance both linguistic skills and cultural awareness. Through full immersion, Cubs strengthen their French while gaining experience of local customs, including meals, school routines and family life.
“I want the students to understand France from a cultural perspective—how the French do meals, school life, family relationships, and all sorts of things,” noted Crawford-Dixon.
Students also collaborate on a project for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Working in teams, they examine a shared issue and craft solutions using insights from both cultures.
“My favorite part of the trip was staying with the students in the dorms because it immersed us in French daily life, and we got to live with a French family,” said Pishoy Mallak ’26.
Participation in this program is more than just an academic opportunity. It challenges students to think globally, act collaboratively, and prepare to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.