The first edition of the Calasanz Exchange programme was a milestone in the history of the Pious Schools of Argentina. After extensive preparations, around twenty students from six Argentinean Piarist schools travelled to Central Europe for a month to enjoy a cultural, linguistic and spiritual exchange experience.
The trip took them to Vienna (Austria), Kecskemét and Budapest (Hungary), Trenčín (Slovakia), Krakow and Poznań (Poland) and Rome (Italy). During the trip, the students stayed with Piarist families so that they could fully immerse themselves in the life and culture of each region. They also visited schools run by the Order and took part in activities with European students to strengthen relationships and practise English as a language of communication.
Beyond academic and cultural learning, the exchange was experienced as a pilgrimage as it was part of the Holy Jubilee Year. The young people took part in times of prayer, liturgical celebrations and community experiences that deepened their Calasanctian identity.
The success of this first edition opens the door to future experiences and consolidates the Calasanz Exchange as a space for integral formation, where education, faith and culture meet.
May this initiative continue to grow and strengthen the Piarist mission in the world!
