Our Global Exchange visits are coming to an end this week. The two students from International School of Paris, Coco Taylor and Jule Nozaki are going back on Saturday. It has been quite an experience for a total of 11 students as they criss-crossed the world.
Watch this space to find out more about our students’ experience.
Amanda Fernandez Ruiz, Grade 9
Around December, I got the news that I had gotten accepted for the Global Exchange programme the school had launched this year. At first I didn’t believe it when it was announced to us by Mr. Van Drunen that six of us were all going to different continents.Soon after though,I was over the moon. I was chosen to go to the International School of Western Australia in Perth. I never thought an opportunity to fly alone to Australia would arise but it did and I made sure I will do my best to make the most out of it. There was A LOT of preparation I needed to do before stepping foot in Australia. My parents had to sign loads of documents to arrange my trip. Although the journey was long and really exhausting, I'm extremely glad I did it.
When I arrived in Perth, I made a promise to myself - I promised that I would not just be there to go shopping and have fun, but that I'd also be there to learn and be a good academic representative of WIS. Oftentimes I felt like I was some sort of “try hard” or that I was doing too much since I was putting so much effort into the education of a school I don't even go to. Still, I applied myself, for my satisfaction and to make myself proud. It is without saying that I actually found the schoolwork quite easy despite being a part of the class of the grade 10s, that was another one of the reasons why I also tried my best since I didnt feel out of place at all in terms of what they were studying.
Even though I did do homework from their school, and even took part in one of their summatives and, stayed up to date within my assignments at WIS, I managed to balance my personal life in terms of outings. I often went shopping, to the beach, the zoo and even snorkeling, and I have to say it was an out of the world experience. I particularly enjoyed seeing all the national animals and learning about Australia's unique wildlife, including endangered species and sharks. These adventures offered a deep dive into the culture of a continent that is vastly different from what I am familiar with. Not to mention I also got insights into another family's lifestyle, how they functioned differently than mine, which was genuinely so interesting and fun.
I was fortunate to have Sydni and her family as my hosts as they made me feel included and supported throughout my stay. I got along with them really well. They made sure I got to do everything I already planned to. Check out the photos as evidence of my experience.
If you are thinking of applying to the Global Exchange programme, I will totally encourage you to do so. Here, I would like to remind you that in order to improve your chances to make it into the approved list, you have to always try and be a good student. By this I don’t just mean you have to be punctual to school or always get good grades, but I also mean to be respectful to your teachers and peers and try to be understanding of certain situations. I would also like to add that whenever you can, do volunteer work, help the ones around you; support the community in and outside of school in whatever way you can. You have to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, sensitivity and maturity to make WIS proud.
And, when you do get accepted, please do remember you have to be a model house guest as well. Always remain respectful and cordial towards your host family. This exchange programme is not just a trip abroad; it is a transformative journey which builds lifelong connections across continents.
