This week, the Peruvian delegation sat down with The Bear Facts’ staff to discuss their favorite highlights from visiting Ursuline Academy of Dallas, as well as their favorite memories from around Dallas. If three words had to describe the delegation and their peers in Lima, teachers Monica Bensus and Silvia Gusukuma would describe them as, “enthusiastic to learn, in solidarity with their friends, and more community-based.” They too, base their school’s mission on St. Angela and focus on being aware of national and international issues.
While for many of the girls it is not their first time in the States, it is their first time in Dallas. So far, the biggest difference between Dallas and in Peru would be the lack of cowboys, the different weather and cityscapes. Here, the weather is a lot cooler because it is currently summertime in Lima. Food has become a large part of the new experiences the Peru delegation has come across, as they have become Chick-Fil-A and Whataburger lovers. A noticeable difference between our food and theirs is how we prepare ceviche, a seafood dish consisting of fresh, raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spiced with seasonings. They were especially surprised by how much Tex-Mex food Dallas offers!
For many attending the latest Ursuline pep rally, one of the best parts was our Peruvian sisters performing traditional dances. They have been practicing and rehearsing for the pep rally since December. They noticed many differences between our school and theirs – back home in Peru, all-girls and all-boys schools are uncommon, and they base their schooling off the International Baccalaureate Program. They also have a different schedule than us: they arrive at school at 7:30 am, begin school at 8 am, teachers switch classrooms, there is a passing period bell, no phones and their classes change every year. They are also required to take German, but many take a third language beginning in fourth grade, such as English. Just like many of us, the girls love playing club volleyball, tennis and basketball during the school day. Another difference between our schools is that in fifth grade, their classes are separated by which fine arts they select to study, such as modern dance and singing. They also do not have a brother school. Each girl aims to attend university, with many hoping to attend colleges in the United States or Germany.
After school, the delegation loves to hang out with friends and watch Netflix. Currently, their favorite shows are “Glee,” “The Office,” “Riverdale,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Fosters,” “Friends” and “The Vampire Diaries.” They also enjoy exploring, such as hiking Machu Picchu, and they hope to explore new countries, such as Greece, Italy and Israel in the near future.
The delegation has found Dallas to be incredibly hospitable, friendly and big! Since Saturday marks the end of their Dallas journey, we hope that they cherish their memories made this trip, and we can nit wait for their next visit.
