Noa Kattler Kupetz

Staff Writer

On Thursday, November 11, seventeen students from Colegio Israelita de Mexico (CIM), a Jewish school in Mexico City, arrived in Los Angeles as part of the Milken Exchange.

For months leading up to the exchange, Milken students in the Spanish 3 Mexico Exchange class have been communicating with assigned buddies from CIM and anticipating their meeting in Los Angeles.

While in Los Angeles, the CIM students stayed at their Milken buddies’ homes, experiencing life in Los Angeles and practicing the English they have been learning in Mexico. The Milken students and their CIM buddies participated in bonding activities, such as spending a night at Brandeis Bardein Institute and attending a Clippers game at Staples Center.

While their Milken buddies were busy at school, the students from CIM had educational programming, including visits to museums around Los Angeles. After seven days, the CIM students returned to Mexico on November 18.

The Milken students involved in the exchange are currently awaiting their visit to Mexico, which will take place in February. In Mexico, they will mirror the program done here, staying at their buddies’ homes and perfecting their Spanish.

“I know that I made a friendship that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to go to my buddy’s house and learn more about her and her family,” said Shaina Sarafian ’12.