The Significance of School Exchanges

 by Indie Stone

With the Portsmouth Grammar School’s Spanish Exchange fast approaching, I think it is necessary that the importance of this insightful excursion is addressed - and perhaps advertised to the pupils hoping to experience an opportunity that is very well worth seizing. 

Designed as a type of educational programme to help students of one country visit, but also stay in another one, the idea of exchanging has been around for decades. Being originally set up to allow students to learn and communicate in different countries, while also discovering new cultural and customary aspects, an exchange serves as a great opportunity for students to also experience education in another country - more practically, perhaps.

Providing a valuable opportunity for pupils to gain confidence in speaking and understanding a foreign language, the concept of going on an exchange allows students to experience a different culture, take the opportunity to learn a new language through practical immersion, and of course, meet new people and make friends; indeed, some families will form strong ties longer term, as stated by Mr. Stone himself. Although there are obviously linguistic and social benefits to an excursion like this, and will amount to heaps of enjoyment, fun, and long lasting memories, great things always come with a caveat. Namely, having the opportunity to speak, listen, learn and understand a language with a host family is hard work; 

 It’s a challenge. 

However, it’s a challenge worth undertaking, as the rewards are priceless: Not only does it allow pupils to develop a connection with frequently-made lifelong friends, they will also develop ingrained communication skills and overcome their language barrier. After one of the most worthwhile experiences a school child can have, once at home, they will see noticeable improvements in their self-development and awareness, subsequently leading to increased self-confidence and self-esteem. If that wasn’t enough, Mr. Stone further mentions how a foreign exchange will have a positive impact on a pupil’s performance in speaking and listening assessments in public examinations - now, for me, that’s just the cherry on top.

 Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention, it boasts significant amounts of fun. What more could one like?

 With this year’s plane full of Year 10 pupils expected to lift off from Gatwick on Saturday 14th of October, they are bound to a land where Spanish culture will soon be flowing through their veins. As Mr. Stone’s perfect planning has managed to set up pupil’s with PGS’ partner school, Santa Maria Marianistas, the pupils will be treated to being in one of the most intimate towns of the Basque Country, Vitoria Gasteiz. Once greeted with their intensely welcoming host families, the pupil's cultural expedition will be set in motion. Through excursions to various gems around the area, such as the Gugenheim museum in Bilbao, San Sebastian, and also the picturesque site where scenes of Game of Thrones have been filmed, pupils will experience much learning and enjoyment while their various partners are at school. Nevertheless, during the nights, Spanish culture will emerge from everywhere, as pupils both Spanish and English mix into what is a cauldron of rich language, lifestyle, exposure, revelation, and a feeling of great gratification. And as the various partner’s have hosted their English pupil in Spain, the same joys and experiences will be reciprocated later in mid-March, so the joys and pleasures can be experienced once again, so it’s all a process worth looking forward to.

So just as this year embarks on another rollercoaster of Hispanic hysterics, I hope that I have successfully exchanged my views on how this trip will definitely be one for the Year 10 Spanish students next year, and indeed one that will remain ingrained in memory for the rest of their lives.