G’Day, Mate: School Launches Australia Exchange

“I really wanted to go on the exchange because I’m just someone who likes to get out and travel, I have a very strong sense of wanderlust. I wanted to make new memories, experience new things, and just have a better understanding of the world outside of the U.S.,” said Hurst.

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking to do something outside of your comfort zone but with the support system at St. Margaret’s and the exchange partners I felt very comfortable and ready to go into this experience with eyes wide open.”

St Margaret’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls from Pre-Prep to Year 12. There are approximately 1,300 students in the school, with nearly 900 girls in the secondary school. 

The exchange program with Chatham Hall originated in conversations through the Global Educational Benchmark Group (GEBG) around 2019, but implementation was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hurst was the first student to travel, arriving back to Chatham Hall in late September, while five of St. Margaret’s students arrived on campus in October for a seven-week stay.

“This is something that can really enlarge the world for our students,” said Dean of Academics Martha Griswold. “They’ll meet new people and try new things. There’s really nothing like it.”

In the future, the program will facilitate not only student exchange between the two schools but faculty members as well. Due to academic year differences in the two countries, Chatham Hall community members will travel mainly in the summer while St. Margaret’s community members will travel mainly in the fall.

This year’s exchange students to Chatham Hall, Aggie Walker ‘25, Lily Alford ‘25, Rose Brown ‘25, Michaela Chong ‘25, and Sophie Manly ‘25, will be staying through the Thanksgiving holiday to get a taste of this specifically American cultural event. 

“I’m most looking forward to experiencing the holidays that aren't really celebrated in Australia, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving,” said Walker.

During their exchange programs, students complete coursework from their home institutions while also attending classes out of interest at their host institutions. They participate fully in athletics, clubs, and residential life programs during their time abroad, and have the opportunity to travel in their host region. 

“This exchange is incredible, especially if you are excited to explore new things,” noted Hurst. “I was nervous about going at first but it’s something that I’m really glad I did because I learned so much from it. Not just school work, but I learned a lot communicating with people, meeting new people, and the importance of having different connections in different places. I understand if others are scared about going, but they shouldn’t let their fear stop them from doing it because we are going to grow and learn most when we are outside of our comfort zones. That’s definitely something that Chatham Hall teaches us.”

Students interested in participating in a future exchange should speak with Dean Griswold as soon as possible to learn more.