Maine Coast Waldorf School 2020-21 Annual Report

MCWS EXCHANGE PROGRAM
BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE HIGH SCHOOL
Since its inception, Maine Coast Waldorf’s high school has offered a unique foreign exchange program for
sophomores or juniors who choose to study abroad for part of the year. Conceived and led by Régine Whittlesey
for its first decade, this exchange program continues to enhance the high school experience under the direction
of Cyrus Shahan, our current Exchange Program Coordinator and High School German Teacher.
Over half of Maine Coast students have historically participated. The experience enhances the students’
nuanced understanding of cultural differences with first-hand perspective. Students return with a new-found
confidence, and for those who choose to continue their study of French or German, a much greater proficiency
in those languages. “There are few things that can rival a culturally immersive experience of this duration,”
explains Shahan.
After a one-year hiatus due to covid, the Exchange Program is back for the 2021-22 school year.
CURRENT YEAR HIGHLIGHTS:
• 15 students from Germany, France and Switzerland will attend MCWS for three months during the school
year, living with the host families and participating in all aspects of school life.
• In exchange, approximately 20 students from MCWS’ sophomore and junior classes will study abroad for
three months during this school year.
• The families involved host each other’s children, keeping the total costs very low and developing a deep
connection to their exchange family.
Photo by Cyrus Shahan
“Participating in the student exchange
program has been a truly delightful
and immensely rewarding experience
for our entire family.
We are extremely grateful to Cyrus
Shahan for organizing and facilitating
this remarkable experience, partnering
our son with an outstanding young
man of similar passions and interests,
and creating an opportunity for our
family to share our customs, traditions
and values.”
— David and Justyna Benton (P ‘24)