STUDENT
EXCHANGE PROGRAMMME WITH SANGWON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SOUTH KOREA
Student Exchange Programmes are an
integral part of Xavier’s philosophy. It is one of the best ways to challenge
students to develop a global perspective. It enriches the personal development
of students with life enriching experiences. These
interactions have proved to be effective platforms for exchange of pedagogical
practices, networking, imbibing of new styles, building connections and giving
insights into different cultures.
St. Xavier’s High School, Gurugram got a momentous opportunity
to host a delegation of 13 students and three teachers from Sangwon Elementary
School, South Korea. The Korean Delegation landed in India on December 23, 2019
and was cordially welcomed at St Xavier’s High School, Sector 49, Gurugram. The
day was well planned for the Korean delegation and the exposure to Indian
culture initiated with full zeal.
The gracious Indian families received the Korean
guests with oodles of warmth. The group embarked on a joyful journey of
experiencing food and different colours of India.
The entire week was well formulated with activities
to facilitate experiential learning about the Indian culture. The spirit and
fervor was immense when the delegation visited Akshardham, Kidzania, Korean Cultural Centre
and embassy, Humayun Tomb, Parliament Street, Sai Baba Temple and India Gate. The
children demonstrated exemplary spirit and were a part of the Indian system and
got accustomed to the Indian traditions within no time. They let their taste
buds relish the Indian delicacies with much taste and fun.
The guests were affectionately received at St.
Xavier’s High School, Sector 81,Gurugram on December 27, 2019. They were
welcomed in a traditional way with tilak and garlands, followed by a crisp and
brisk march past by the Student Council. The Korean delegation got a
commendable insight into the Indian culture with lamp lighting, melodious songs,
vibrant dances and the national anthem of India and Korea. The address by the
respected Director Sir, Mohit Sachdeva, Headmistress, Sarika R Chopra and
Principal Sangwon Elementary School, Yer Yanggu was heartening. The vivacious
presentation was followed by visit of the school and an active participation in
Art and Craft class and leg cricket. The potter’s wheel was a great attraction
as they observed how the potter moulds the clay into creative artefacts and
also laid their hands into learning the nuances of pottery.
The day ended with handing over the souvenirs as a
token of love from St. Xavier’s High School, Gurugram. It was not easy to bid
them farewell because of the jocund week spent together, but as its said
goodbyes are not forever but until we meet again.
This programme was a milestone in personal and
professional journey of knowing each other’s country and people.
The report cannot be concluded without mentioning
the unstinted support and involvement of the host families for taking that
extra step to acclimatize themselves with a new culture.
We wish this relationship between India and South
Korea to strengthen with each passing year.