ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø

Clare MacLeod, Coordinator International Programs

These are not just classroom skills, but life skills that shape confident global citizens. At ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø, we are deeply committed to developing graduates with good character and the competence to thrive. This commitment is evident in our long-standing International Student Exchange Program.

Each year we host students from Germany, Ireland, Canada, USA, and Japan, and in 2025, this has expanded to include France. The strength of our program lies in the long-standing relationships that have been nurtured over many decades. Built on deep investment, cultivated trust, respect and genuine friendship, these enduring relationships give students authentic, immersive cultural and linguistic experiences that reach far beyond our gates.

Short-term stay abroad has a positive influence on the development of the participants’ intercultural attitudes and skills. Evidence suggests that face-to-face exchange formats are effective for intercultural learning, even in the case of shorter programmes and for different kinds of learners. Furthermore, findings suggest that the positive effects of such exchange programmes are long-lasting (Heinzmann et al., 2024). These opportunities enrich both our community and theirs. Visiting students bring curiosity about Australia and a willingness to share their own cultures, traditions, and worldviews. Their presence reminds us that the world is wonderfully diverse, and that understanding begins with connection.

Grammar students who participate in overseas exchanges frequently describe the experience as transformational. Uniquely, our program allows students to travel during the school term. Teachers ensure they continue with their learning while embracing this extraordinary opportunity that prepares them to become citizens in the wider world. They return more confident, more curious and more appreciative of difference. These are qualities that will serve them well throughout life.

Our international program plays a vital role in supporting our Languages Department. By communicating in real-world settings, students bring language to life, building motivation, comprehension, and confidence. They learn that language is more than grammar and vocabulary; it is the key to understanding people, history and identity.

Findings suggest (Nelson et al.,2021) fully embodied cross-cultural immersive experiences can effectively support the formation of intercultural competence (IC) and emotional intelligence (EI) in high school students and can play a contributing role in redressing ignorance, xenophobia, prejudice, and discrimination.

International exchange builds bridges between families, schools, and nations. The friendships formed often last well past the term of the visit. In an age where digital communication dominates, these real-world connections are profoundly humanising.

At its heart, our international student exchange program is about opportunity; to step outside the familiar, to see the world through another lens, and to grow into ethical global citizens well prepared for life beyond school. The success of these exchanges is built on highly regarded international partnerships, the generosity of our community, and the support and willingness of all participants to embrace new experiences and perspectives.

At ÁñÁ«ÉçÇø, education is an ongoing, rich and diverse experience for our whole school community. Together, we are preparing young people who don’t just learn about the world, they belong to it.

References:

• Heinzmann, S., Ferris, C., Roderer, T., & Ehrsam, K. (2024). Student exchange in primary and secondary education and its effect on language gains, intercultural competence and language learning motivation: a systematic review of research in the European context. International Journal of Multilingualism, 22(2), 783–821.
• Nelson, W., & Luetz, J. M. (2021). The Impact of Short-Term Cross-Cultural Experience on the Intercultural Competence of Participating Students: A Case Study of Australian High School Students. Social Sciences, 10(8), 313.

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