International Exchange Program

Two to three week exchange with Augustinian Schools throughout the world

St. Rita has successfully hosted three cultural exchanges since the program's inception in 2007. Students have visited from Emilie Wuestenfeld Gymnasium, in Hamburg, Germany, and St. Augustine's College in Sydney, Australia, and Colegio Urdaneta in Bilbao, Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this program work?
The exchange program is a cultural experience St. Rita provides its students based upon a family’s desire to participate in this program. It is a family commitment, as you will be housing a student from another country and getting to know them and their families too. They will live with you for 2-3 weeks and attend school with your son. After the completion of this exchange visit, your son will travel to the exchange student’s home (the same one you housed) and live with his/her family for 2-3 weeks. All the hospitality you have given to the exchange student will be returned by the exchange family, when your son visits them.
When does this take place?
During our past exchanges, we have been the host families in the fall (Homecoming time), and went as guests on the return exchange at the end of May/beginning of June.
What are the requirements for my son and family?

The first requirement is an appreciation for international relations, and how important this can be in the development of your son, as well as of your family. The following is a list of other requirements:

  • Your son should have a good, clean discipline record at St. Rita
  • You will host a student in your home
  • You will need to undergo a background check for all persons living in your home age 18 or over
  • You will need to undergo “Virtus” Training (an Archdiocesan requirement) for all persons living in your home age 18 or over
  • You will participate in the return exchange, when your son will go to the home of your exchange student (in return)
  • Since this involves the whole family, there are 3 mandatory parent meetings to attend throughout the course of the entire school year
How much will this cost?
During the hosting phase, you are simply asked to treat the exchange student as a member of your own family. You are asked to provide them with shelter, food, transportation, and support. On the return exchange his/her family will do the same for your son. The only cost to you is the price of an airline ticket, entrance fees to museums and sights, and an adult chaperone. Most of the return trips come in around $2,000. You can’t beat that price for 3 weeks in Europe!
Who is the adult chaperone?
St. Rita provides each exchange with an adult chaperone. Typically this person is a faculty member in the school, or the director of the program, or both.
What will they do while they are here?
The students will go to school 2 - 3 days per week and shadow your son. The other days of the week are filled with field trip type activities that will expose them to the culture of our school, city, and our country. St. Rita faculty chaperone them on these weekday field trips. The weekends are spent with their host families.
How many "exchanges" has St. Rita done?
This is currently our fourth year of this great program. We have “exchanged” with schools in Hamburg, Germany; Sydney, Australia; and Bilbao, Spain. St. Rita is no stranger to international travel. Our students have traveled all over the world with our programs. Some destinations have included England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Italy.
What country will be in the exchange this year?
We are currently working with Germany, Malta and Spain. Once we have determined the number of interested families, we will be able to choose our destination country.


We are interested, how do we sign up?

Email jmclawhorn@stritahs.com with the following:

  • Name of St. Rita student
  • 2010 - 2011 school year rank of student (soph, junior, senior)
  • Would you be willing to house a girl too? Or just a boy?
  • Home Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address

When all the responses have been received, you will receive more information on meetings, dates, and times.

Can we change our mind?

Yes, the purpose of this is to get an estimated count of interest. You will not be obligated to participate by responding. You will simply get more information.

Who do I contact for more information?

Mrs. McLawhorn
Director of Student Activities/International Exchange Program
jmclawhorn@stritahs.com (fastest response) or 773-925-6600