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Foreign exchange trips are a fundamental part of learning a new language. The lessons learned from being immersed in a different culture and language help to shape new perspectives and improve empathy with other people. These are critical skills for young people as they build independence and enhance social skills.
With overseas trips being put on pause during the pandemic, many students were unable to benefit from international exchange programmes. Pent-up demand now means that there is high interest from overseas parents in schools running such trips again.
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Multi-activity learning
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Our language learning brand, Ardmore Language Schools, have been running residential programmes for international students aged 7-19 for over 35 years. Over a typical multi-week period students integrate with UK schools through in-classroom learning, attend intensive English language lessons, build on their character development through dedicated outdoor learning programmes at sister company Active Learning Centres and experience some of the best cultural highlights that the UK has to offer. It is an exciting educational programme that is designed to be fun and memorable.
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Fostering a global outlook
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During February, March and April 2022, Ardmore hosted over 200 students from Chile in collaboration with Cognita Schools, which has 14 schools in Chile. When asked why it was so important for young people to be involved in these experiences, Carolina Bergamasco Valle, Director of Global Projects and Innovation at Cognita Chile, replied: “These trips offer real connections and contact with other cultures that foster a global perspective and global citizenship training, in turn placing our students in a new global context. English immersion is fundamental for us as well. It is a life changing experience for the students, and for the accompanying teachers.”
Intercultural development encourages students to seek experiences and friendships beyond their comfort zone, and to take on different perspectives when viewing the world.
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Caroline added:
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“We believe this unique experience, placing our students’ safeguarding at the centre, full of autonomy and novelty pushes our students’ self-development and opens doors to other cultures.”
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Developing specific skills
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Cognita’s schools in Chile have been working with Ardmore since 2014. Exchange programmes span 5 weeks with the development of autonomy and soft skills (resilience, empathy and communication) forming fundamental components of the programme. Over time, the programme has evolved to the schools’ needs and now reflects a comprehensive residential programme that helps students become more aware of, and understand, the wider world.
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Nigel Miller, CEO for Active Learning Group, added:
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“International travel involves experiential learning every minute of each day – it is real-life problem solving in action. There is much evidence to support the concept that students who travel overseas and immerse themselves in a different language improve their critical thinking skills and build curiosity and confidence. We are thrilled that students can once again travel overseas, experiencing cultural diversity and discovering new passions.”
