Since the early 2000s, Shaker High School’s foreign exchange programs have been a consistent source of diversity and inclusivity throughout the community. The language department has built a multilingual community that connects students from around the world directly to our school. The program’s history and student experiences continue to foster multilingual traditions in North Colonie.
Within the Russian department, a lively community was built around its exchange program, which has lasted for many years. From Moscow to St. Petersburg, teachers connected Shaker students with peers across Russia. Shaker students were able to stay with the families of their Russian partners, allowing them to take part in a variety of daily activities. From strengthening their years of Russian learning to experiencing the city’s food and culture, students gained a glimpse of what it is like to be a high schooler in Russia. Russian hosts also came to Shaker to experience the schedule of an American high schooler, even visiting Boston and New York City during their stay. Although the program had to stop after COVID-19 due to political decisions in the Russian Federation, Russian teachers can still take students on trips to other Central European countries. In fact, the next trip is scheduled for April 1, 2026, during which the group will visit Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Munich. These trips continue to give students the opportunity to explore new cultures while applying the language skills they learn in the classroom.
In 2003, students taking Spanish traveled to Costa Rica, where they shadowed students at the Anglo American School. They had the opportunity to meet with the principal, Ana Patricia Arroyo, to discuss the possibility of beginning an exchange program. This program successfully ran for a decade before a period of inactivity due to a lack of student participation. However, Ana Patricia Arroyo later became an Assistant Principal at Humboldt High School, and the program was restarted in 2017. This upcoming year marks the 10-year celebration of the program with Humboldt and the 23rd year of exchange connections between Shaker High School and Costa Rica. Students can explore coffee plantations, visit volcanoes and hot springs, and learn more about the culture that makes Costa Rica such an incredible place to visit. During their travels, students stay with a host family for two weeks to experience daily life and culture, while host students come to Shaker High School to experience life as a New York student. This program follows the philosophy of “Pura Vida,” meaning “pure life,” an expression used in everyday life in Costa Rica to celebrate a culture centered around community and positivity. Costa Rican people, often referred to as “Ticos,” focus on maintaining this positive attitude, and experiencing these values firsthand is what makes these exchange programs so impactful. Through experiences like these, students can build connections that extend far beyond the classroom.
Although the French classes do not currently have a direct exchange program, their trips to places such as Europe and Quebec create a similar experience for Shaker High School students. Using their knowledge of French and Francophone cultures, students can experience firsthand what it would be like to live in those environments. These trips allow students to hear French spoken in everyday life, observe cultural traditions, and better understand how the language is used beyond the classroom. Traveling to Francophone regions such as Quebec or parts of Europe helps students connect what they learn in class with real-world experiences. These trips have continued for many years and consistently bring French-speaking students together to travel with their peers while expanding their cultural knowledge and appreciation for the language. Experiences like these help students understand why French continues to be offered at Shaker High School and how language learning can connect people across cultures.
Our last stop on our journey across the globe with the language exchange programs is the German class. German students can stay with a host family and experience German culture firsthand. Shaker students travel to places like Berlin, Munich, Trier, and Heidelberg, while exchange students experience life in America. The bonds that exchange students form with students here are lasting, and they carry those memories with them for years to come.
As Shaker High School continues to support its language programs, these opportunities allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond their own community. Exchange programs and language trips are essential for building cultural awareness and lasting friendships. By continuing to invest in these experiences, Shaker ensures that future students will have the same opportunity to connect with people and cultures from around the world.