Effective Principals 2020 | Ms. Agnes Davies, Principal & Director of Sherwood High
Student Exchange Programme Helps A Student In His/Her Development
“You are going places” is a phrase we wish to hear and a SEP makes it happen literally & figuratively. Such expanding horizons provide wings to students who dream beyond their immediate skyline.
It is the passport to their future dreams; tomorrow will certainly belong to those who take the steps today.
SEP is an unforgettable lesson of life, stepping outside the comfort zone into a vista of opportunities.
Perspectives broaden when she/he appreciates the variations and diversities in a foreign country, including new languages, differences in accents, lifestyles, etiquette and customs.
An interesting part of everyday life is calculating the conversion rates of currency and time differences. Surprisingly the fruits & vegetables have their unique tastes & flavours.
Nevertheless, cultural diversity should not overwhelm but should hopefully result in increasing cultural compassion.
SEP is a voyage of self-discovery. Each experience of the day can be an enriching moment by turning mirrors into windows.
As the white hazy fog of tension & anxiety lifts, he/she acquires a remarkable sense of responsibility, independence and decision-making capacity.
Practical experiences sharpen communication skills in a jiffy and they will surely enjoy their inward journey.
Emotional maturity & emotional intelligence are learned on the go as the youth easily leave their prejudices and pet peeves by the wayside.
Often students prefer home stays which can become a fabulous cross-cultural learning.
When one lives in close contact, one has to respect their space and time, maybe figuring out small significant things like house responsibilities and doing your own laundry.
The welcome and orientation sessions ensure that the settling in period is free of hassles & hiccups.
Students are swiftly introduced to new classroom norms & etiquettes, teaching methodology, assignments and a multi disciplinary curriculum with new choices of subjects.
The experience will elevate outlook, refine personality and vitalize skills to be a global citizen, at home with his/her parents and at ease with a global community.
Making friends with people from different countries and acceptance of their lifestyles inculcates of a sense of humanity and a shared vision of a secure world.
An open mind and flexible approach is the magic wand even as a student adapts to doughnuts-milkshakes- croissants – coffee.
Ultimately “your attitude not aptitude will determine your altitude”. (Zig Zagler)
Effective Principals 2020 | Ms. Agnes Davies, Principal & Director of Sherwood High
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