Oakcrest School Hosts 5 Students from Sister School in Montevideo, Uruguay

Sara Bendeck, Director of International Programs, explained that the goal of the exchange was for students from both schools “to know that they are not alone in the world,” to introduce them to the reality that they are part of a global community that shares and reinforces their values: promoting the dignity of life, educating the whole woman, and pursuing truth through academic excellence.

From their very first day, the students from Los Pilares were embraced as part of the Oakcrest family. They attended classes, participated in field trips, and were hosted by Oakcrest families. These shared experiences brought to life the deeper purpose of the exchange: to foster connection and understanding across borders, and to help students recognize that they are not alone in their pursuit of truth, beauty, and virtue.

“What made this exchange so special,” shared Sara Bendeck, “was the immediate connection between the girls. Even though they come from different countries and cultures, they found they had so much in common—similar family experiences, shared values, and a school environment that feels like home.”

Sara described how Oakcrest students are no strangers to hosting international guests. Whether it's for a single day or a full academic year, they welcome visiting students with genuine warmth and excitement. From preparing lockers and giving campus tours to sharing lunch outside and introducing them to local neighborhoods, Oakies take pride in helping others feel at home. In turn, these visiting students often leave feeling like Oakies themselves, having found a place in a community miles away from their own home.

One highlight of the visit was a simple but meaningful gesture of hospitality. Wanting to return the kindness of their host sisters, the girls from Los Pilares organized a traditional Uruguayan afternoon tea. They gathered at the Reston Town Center plaza to share mate, Uruguayan tea, and alfajores, cookies layered with dulce de leche. It was a chance to offer their hosts a taste of Uruguay in a relaxed and joyful setting. “So simple and yet so meaningful,” Bendeck recalled.

Although Oakcrest students were not able to travel to Uruguay this time, the school hopes to establish a more reciprocal exchange in the future. These cross-cultural encounters enrich the school community and expand students’ horizons—not just academically, but personally and spiritually.

The students from Los Pilares left impressed by Oakcrest’s campus, the professionalism of the teachers, and the friendly, respectful environment that upholds personal freedom and values. More importantly, they left with new friendships and a deeper sense of how much we share, even across continents.
 

As we continue to welcome international students year-round—whether for a day, a semester, or a school year—this exchange is a reminder of the beauty that emerges when young women from around the world come together in mutual respect, openness, and joy.