Most international schools in Hong Kong have resumed their foreign exchange programs following the reopening of international travel. Educators consider these programs to be crucial for students’ learning and personal growth.
Most international schools in Hong Kong have resumed their foreign exchange programs following the reopening of international travel. Educators consider these programs to be crucial for students’ learning and personal growth.
Hong Kong experts have agreed on the significant role played by foreign student exchange trips in fostering intercultural understanding and character development among students.
Matthew Schulte, head of local and global engagement at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong, said that community-based experiential learning has evolved from being an extracurricular activity to a fundamental part of the curriculum and identity of international schools. All students at CDNIS now actively participate in such programs.
Most international schools in Hong Kong have resumed their foreign exchange programs following the reopening of international travel. Educators consider these programs to be crucial for students’ learning and personal growth.
Alan Erickson, the principal of student welfare and safety at Stamford American School Hong Kong, believes that international exchange programs provide children with the opportunity to develop and become more autonomous.
“For some programs, students are encouraged to take healthy risks and try things outside their comfort zone. The programs also promote intercultural understanding and build friendships,” said Mr. Erickson.
Charles Pierru, the principal of secondary campuses and studies (French Stream) at the French International School of Hong Kong, asserts that international exchange programs enable students to forge bonds while immersing themselves in different cultures. For instance, the yearly school trip to France enables students to use the vocabulary they have learned in authentic contexts.
Mina Dunstan, head of school at the Australian International School in Hong Kong, said, “overseas programs offer unique sporting and cultural experiences for students, and the friendships and connections between schools are strengthened on these trips.”
The Hong Kong International School, the first international school in Hong Kong to resume overseas travel for high school students post-COVID-19, is led by Annalee Higginbottom, assistant principal for high schools.
HKIS students participated in APAC (Asia-Pacific Activities Conference) programs in February, which included trips to South Korea for the APAC Band program, the Philippines for the APAC Theatre trip, Vietnam for the APAC Basketball trip, and South Korea for the APAC Swimming trip.
Hong Kong universities have also launched an initiative to attract students from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, intending to tap into new markets such as Saudi Arabia.
Foreign schools planning exchange programs have shifted their focus from cultural tours to initiatives with clearly defined purposes. These initiatives incorporate elements such as volunteerism, character development, art, language, science, and technology.
