The school is welcoming John Hewat ’29 and Charito Rincon ’28 for the spring marking period after hosting exchange students Tommy Molina ’28 and Valerie Sum ’28 for the third marking period. Hewat and Rincon come through the Round Square Association, from Bishop’s Diocesan College in Cape Town, South Africa, and Los Nogales in Bogotá, Colombia, respectively.
Since 2004, Hotchkiss has been a Round Square school, making it part of an international community consisting of 280+ schools in 50 countries. Through exchange programs, international conferences, and other types of experimental learning, the Round Square programs commit to the six values of IDEALS: international understanding, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service.
Mr. Dave Thompson, director of international programs, said, “What is really powerful about the exchange is that because the students are so excited and know they only have 8-10 weeks here, they bring in a kind of an energy that’s really good for all of us. It reminds us why we chose to come here. The second real benefit of the exchange program is that the exchange students are very positive about Hotchkiss when they go home, so it’s fantastic marketing for the school.”
The process for selecting exchange students differs by the Round Square school, with many requiring videos, interviews, or essays. Despite the varying admission processes, the Round Square Schools all utilize the selection process to answer questions about readiness, representation, and making the most out of an exchange to find the best candidate.
At Los Nogales, the process entailed an interview and two essays describing the applicant’s top choice school and a Round Square value that they endorse.
Bishop’s Diocesan College had a similarly competitive process. There, the top fifteen of the class applied and eight of them continued to the interviews. John said, “We sat at a circular table with teachers interviewing us and bombarding us with questions. We had to give our best possible answer and showcase what Bishop’s has to offer, and who would get the most out of specifically the exchange.”
Different exchange students attend exchange programs and come to this community for various reasons. Charito said, “It has always been my dream to go on an exchange, because I really wanted to live a different life and get out of the bubble I’ve always been in. I decided to apply for the exchange because I wanted an adventure— something different. I loved Hotchkiss’ value on academics, and I feel it will be a great place for me to grow.”
Hewat said, “I wanted to experience a new way to get an education overseas. I chose Hotchkiss over other schools because of its prestige, the golf course, and because I wanted to experience boarding school. ”
Hewat is currently living in Coy with Joseph Sun ’29, and participates in the Orchestra and Boys JV Golf. He also likes to hike, plays field and indoor hockey, and is interested in STEM. Rincon lives in Buehler with Madi Bawden ’29. She is writing for The Record, participating in the theatre program, running track, and is interested in science and history.
Both exchange students have been enjoying themselves so far. Rincon says she loves the productive schedule, the diverse community, and dorm life. Hewat enjoys dorm life, the discussion- based class format, and the mix within the student body between the ambition to maximize the school’s resources and social activities.
Both are already making their spring bucket lists. Rincon said, “I look forward to jumping in the lake, chilling with my friends, and getting better at track.” Hewat said, “I hope to get the most I can out of the JV Golf Team, use my free periods constructively, and make the most of an opportunity that my school has trusted me to take.”
