From Metepec to Fort Worth: A Week of Cultural Exchange

FWCD welcomed 12 students and one teacher from Metepec, Mexico, as part of an exchange program with CENCA school. From January 24-31, 10 FWCD families and 13 students opened their homes and hearts to their international guests, creating a week filled with learning, friendship and cultural discovery. 

The visit began with a warm welcome in the Amon G. Carter Foundation Commons, where FWCD hosts greeted their new friends with handmade signs. After capturing a group photo, the CENCA students departed for the weekend with their host families, eager to immerse themselves in their new surroundings.

Following a weekend of activities planned by their host families, the visiting students shared a heartfelt presentation during Middle School and Upper School assembly and announcements. They introduced themselves, spoke about what they love most about Mexico, and shared some impressions of the United States.  

Throughout the week, CENCA students were fully engaged in FWCD’s academic and extracurricular life. In Ceramics class with Jerry Mahle, they shaped clay into creative works, using art as a universal language of expression. They also attended classes alongside their FWCD hosts, gaining firsthand insight into the rhythm of a typical school day. 

Wednesday and Thursday brought Texas culture to the forefront as the CENCA students took part in field trips. They attended the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, where they witnessed rodeo life: competitions, livestock exhibitions and cowboy traditions. They don’t say the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is LEGENDARY for nothing! A visit to the historic Stockyards further deepened their appreciation for Texas heritage. The students strolled along the bricked streets, watched a longhorn cattle drive, and explored local shops to collect souvenirs to take home for themselves and their loved ones. 

The exchange culminated in a farewell potluck dinner on January 30. At the dinner, students and hosts reflected on their time together. It was bittersweet, as many students and hosts shared that they were not ready for the week and the visit to end. 

Though the visit was brief, the friendships formed and experiences shared will have a lasting impact. As FWCD and CENCA continue their partnership, this exchange serves as a reminder of the power of cultural connections and the joy of discovering both differences and common ground.