Thaden Students Participated in South Africa Exchange

This summer, Maddie K. ’26 and Eduardo G. ’26 traveled to Durban, South Africa, to take part in a three-week cultural exchange with Thaden’s partner schools. Selected through a competitive application process that included essays, references, and interviews, both students were matched with host families and immersed in daily life at Durban Girls’ College and Clifton School.

For Maddie, the experience offered a glimpse into the history and traditions of her host school:

“The exchange was such an amazing opportunity—I loved it! My host was so welcoming and made me feel like a true part of the family. It was so cool to go to an all-girls school and be immersed in traditions that are over 100 years old. I loved getting to know the culture and customs, and I’m already planning my trip back.”

Eduardo found connection and adventure at Clifton School:

“My exchange in South Africa was an incredible experience filled with new people, places, and opportunities. I quickly felt at home with my host family and loved being part of the Clifton community—whether running the 16k Clifton Challenge, playing soccer on the school team, or taking classes like accounting, engineering, and Afrikaans. Along the way I tried South African foods, went on a game drive, enjoyed Durban’s beaches, and met other exchange students from around the world. Overall, it was an unforgettable, truly global experience, and it gave me a chance to see the world in a new way.”

Through experiences like these, Thaden students expand their perspectives, strengthen cross-cultural connections, and build the skills of global citizenship.